Nuclear Deal

Araghchi added that the Strait of Hormuz would not return to the pre-war era, with Iran and Oman maintaining sole sovereignty over the critical waterway.

Negotiations, according to US officials, have moved well beyond deliberations on the opening of the Strait of Hormuz, as diplomats have begun narrowing down on four key issues regarding Iran's nukes.

Meanwhile, Vice President JD Vance told Fox News that the US will reach a deal in its own interests with Iran, even if Israel disagrees or opposes it.

Israel is closely watching the possibility of an interim arrangement, particularly amid reports that Iran could reopen the Strait of Hormuz as part of a broader understanding with Washington. 

Republican lawmakers take to X, warning that a reported 60-day Iran ceasefire deal could strengthen Tehran and undermine US gains from the conflict.

A State Department letter dated May 18 to Democratic Senator Edward Markey says the pact only requires Washington and Riyadh to forge a less onerous "bilateral safeguards agreement."

As Donald Trump weighs a ceasefire with Iran, will Benjamin Netanyahu fall in line or escalate?

Meanwhile, Netanyahu says Israel fully backs Trump’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, rejects claims of a rift with Washington, and stresses US demands to halt Tehran's nuclear enrichment program.

Trump insulted the four far Right influencers, saying they support the Islamic Republic achieving nuclear weapons because they have "Low IQs" and are "nutjobs, troublemakers."

Israelis can endure the war, but the consensus is cracking as trust, expectations, and ideas of what victory means are diverging.