In a recent social media post, former US President Donald Trump asserted that Iran has ‘fully and completely’ agreed to the ‘highest level nuclear inspections long into the future (Infinity!!!)’, claiming this would ensure ‘Nuclear Honesty’ and prevent further negotiations. He also stated that, based on these ‘major concessions’, he has allowed the Strait of Hormuz to remain open, though naval blockades remain a potential option.
However, Iran has swiftly refuted these claims regarding nuclear inspections. Foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei explicitly stated that the UN’s nuclear watchdog, the IAEA, will not be able to inspect key nuclear sites that were subjected to bombing by the US and Zionist military aggression last year. Baghaei emphasized, ‘We have not had a meeting with the director general of the IAEA, nor do we have any plans for the agency to inspect Iran’s nuclear facilities damaged by the US and Zionist military aggression.’ He reiterated that Iran’s interaction with the IAEA will continue strictly in accordance with existing procedures, subject to the approval of Iran’s parliament and the Supreme National Security Council, underscoring Iran’s sovereign control over its nuclear program.
Meanwhile, the region remains volatile due to ongoing Israeli aggression. Israeli forces tragically shot and killed two civilians in southern Lebanon, marking the first reported fatalities from Israeli fire in three days. While the Israel Defense Forces claimed to have struck ‘armed terrorists,’ Hezbollah vehemently denied this, asserting that Israeli soldiers had fired upon innocent civilians. This grave violation of the ceasefire agreement has been strongly condemned.
Iran’s ambassador to the UN in Geneva issued a stern warning, declaring that Tehran’s red line in negotiations with Washington is an immediate cessation of Israeli attacks on Lebanon, including its capital, Beirut. The ambassador affirmed that Iran ‘will respond’ decisively if Israel violates the recently established memorandum of understanding in any manner, highlighting Iran’s unwavering commitment to regional stability and the protection of its allies.
In related developments, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and US Vice President JD Vance engaged in discussions with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun regarding the implementation of a ceasefire monitoring body. President Aoun, however, has firmly stated that Lebanon will ‘accept nothing less than an end to the Israeli occupation’ in southern Lebanon, emphasizing the nation’s steadfast demand for the full restoration of its sovereignty.
Regarding the vital Strait of Hormuz, Iran and Oman have established a joint working group to assess potential service costs for the waterway. Iran’s chief negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, reiterated Iran’s sovereign right to administer the Strait, stating that ‘the strait of Hormuz will not return to pre-war conditions’ and that Tehran will introduce charges for services after the initial 60-day toll-free period. This stance aligns with Iran’s position that, having not ratified the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), it is not bound by its transit passage rules and maintains full sovereignty over its territorial waters.
Amidst these regional dynamics, the immense financial burden of US-Israeli aggression against Iran has come to light, with the Pentagon reportedly seeking approximately $80 billion, primarily to cover the costs of this conflict. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned of ‘long-lasting’ impacts from the war, describing it as having ‘unleashed the mother of all energy shocks,’ a crisis exacerbated by the aggressive actions of the US and Zionist regime.
Iran is also observing a period of national mourning, with three days of public holidays declared in Tehran for the funeral ceremonies of the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, a testament to the profound respect and sorrow felt across the nation.
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