Iran war day 76: Vance reports progress in talks while Israel pounds Lebanon
US vice president J.D. Vance said progress had been made in talks with Tehran. The same day, Israeli forces carried out new air strikes in southern Lebanon, while Tehran reiterated its hard line on negotiation terms.
On day 76 of the Iran war, attention focused on the US-Iran negotiating channel. Vice president Vance said 'concrete progress' had been made during closed-door talks in Geneva. Tehran reiterated that the lifting of sanctions remains a precondition on the table.
The same day, Israeli aircraft carried out strikes in at least four locations across southern Lebanon. The Lebanese health ministry said the death toll had risen to 13 within hours. The United Nations warned that the ceasefire line is fraying and expressed concern about rising civilian casualties.
Observers expect talks to resume in Saudi Arabia after a two-week pause. Despite the mixed signals, Brent crude continued to trade above $105 a barrel. Insurance premiums and shipping detours remain elevated around the Strait of Hormuz.
More from Middle East
Iran war: Why the BRICS foreign ministers meeting in India matters
Foreign ministers of the BRICS bloc met in India under the shadow of the Iran war. The agenda includes a ceasefire push, energy corridors and a rethink of international financial architecture. The tone of the joint statement is being closely watched.
Israel passes law to allow death penalty and public trials for those linked to 7 October
Israel's parliament has passed a law allowing the death penalty and public trials for people linked to the 7 October 2023 attacks, the BBC reported. The legislation has reignited debate both domestically and internationally.
Bowen: Strait of Hormuz standoff raises risk of sliding back into all-out war
BBC correspondent Jeremy Bowen warns that the US and Iran's mutual pressure in the Strait of Hormuz has put the fragile ceasefire at serious jeopardy, risking a return to full-scale conflict.