While peace negotiations rumble on behind closed doors with no breakthrough, Donald Trump’s latest claim is that Iran has agreed not to develop a nuclear weapon.
- Trump’s nuclear claims: It’s now a near-daily occurrence for both the US and Iran to make claims and counterclaims about the war and negotiations. Earlier today Donald Trump said Iran has agreed not to develop a nuclear weapon, and later at the White House claimed the US would retrieve Iran’s enriched uranium in the “not too distant future”.
- Negotiations going nowhere? The statements matter because Iran’s nuclear programme is one of the sticking points of negotiations. As talks continue, it isn’t clear if progress is being made. While reports have suggested the Strait of Hormuz blockades could be overcome, the nuclear programme, sanctions and Israel’s war in Lebanon remain unsolved.
- Fury at Netanyahu: The US president also acknowledged a report that he had an angry call with Israel’s prime minister over his attacks in Lebanon, but he also insisted they got on. Netanyahu, also acknowledged “tactical” disagreements with Trump. In recent weeks, Israel has stepped up strikes in Lebanon and its troops have pushed deeper into the country.
- Gulf tensions flare: After the US and Iran traded limited strikes last night, Iran was said to have bombed Kuwait, injuring more than 60 people at its airport. Bahrain’s army, meanwhile, said it had intercepted three missiles and several drones.
