The developments on her front are on a tightrope, with her denouncing them for “state piracy”, after the confiscations and her examining with the national security advisers a new proposal from Tehran, which, however, seems to fall on deaf ears.
Iran’s proposal and Washington’s “wall”.
Tehran tabled a proposal that calls for a cessation of hostilities and a resolution of maritime disputes in the Gulf, postponing discussion of its nuclear program to the future. However, White House spokeswoman Carolyn Levitt made it clear that President Trump’s “red lines” – after discussions with his top national security advisers – remain unwavering: the nuclear issue must be at the heart of any deal.
Trump discussed new Iran proposal with national security aides on Monday, White House says
— Reuters (@Reuters)
Stranglehold on world trade and the rise of oil
The conflict has caused a “heart attack” in the Strait of Hormuz, through which a fifth of the world’s oil supplies pass. While up to 140 ships passed daily before the war, in the last 24 hours only seven passed through, none of which carried oil for the international market. As a result, “black gold” prices hit a new two-week high on Monday.
Diplomatic marathon from Tehran
Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghtsi, is on a feverish diplomatic marathon, visiting Oman, Pakistan and Russia.
JUST IN – Iran’s FM Araghchi and Putin shake hands and hold a meeting in Moscow.
— Disclose.tv (@disclosetv)
In St Petersburg, Vladimir Putin promised him that Moscow would do “everything possible” to achieve peace, while the Iranian official argued that Trump was seeking negotiations because the US had failed in its goals.
Lebanon on fire: Accusations of “treason”
At the same time, the situation in
- Israeli strikes: At least 14 dead from shelling in southern Lebanon, in the bloodiest day since the April truce.
- Political civil war: Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has accused Hezbollah of “treason”, accusing it of dragging the country into war, and said his goal is a 1949-style ceasefire deal.
- Netanyahu: The Israeli prime minister has claimed that Hezbollah has lost 90% of its arsenal, although analysts estimate that the group still retains thousands of missiles and drones.
Friedrich Merz intervention: “Humiliation for the USA”
Europe is also getting into the game, with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz firing arrows at Washington.
Mertz spoke of US “humiliation” in the war with Iran, warning that the White House lacks a clear exit strategy from the conflict as Tehran appears to be gaining ground.
For his part, the French president promised to talk to the Iranian authorities to “address the problem” of rising fuel prices “at its root” and try to achieve the opening of the Straits of Hormuz.
During a UN Security Council meeting, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barot said Iran would have to make “major concessions” in peace talks to end the war in the Middle East.
With information from Reuters, Associated Press, The Guardian, Al Jazeera
