Iran

IAEA chief says US-Iran talks close to nuclear framework agreement

Spread the love

This work by Middle East Monitor is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Rafael Mariano Grossi gives a speech in Vienna, Austria on June 5, 2026. [Salih Okuroğlu – Anadolu Agency]

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi said Friday that negotiations between the United States and Iran appear close to producing a framework agreement on Tehran’s nuclear program, Anadolu reports.

Speaking at a news conference following a meeting of the IAEA Board of Governors, Grossi said the agency remains in contact with both sides, although it is not directly involved in the talks.

“Our sense is that they seem to be pretty close to agreeing on what I would describe more with regards to the nuclear … to sort of a framework, organizational structure to give themselves time to look into the different problems,” he said.

Grossi added that the IAEA has made several efforts to restore verification activities in Iran and stressed that Tehran’s obligations under its agreements with the agency remain in force.

“The issue here is multiple, because Iran has a number of obligations in terms of informing us and giving us access for our inspection work,” he said. “It is clear that under war circumstances, this is not possible, but there has been quite a long ceasefire.”

He noted that the agency had continued some activities at facilities selected by Iran, saying there is an “element of discretion” in terms of what Tehran allows the agency to see.

Grossi said Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium remains central to any future agreement.

READ: Trump says he does not need deal with Iran to get enriched uranium

Possible options include exporting the material, diluting it or keeping it in Iran under IAEA monitoring, he said, adding that any decision would ultimately be political.

Grossi, however, said the first step should be the agency going to Iran to check the amount.

‘Nuclear facilities should never be attacked’

Ahead of the meeting, Grossi also warned that nuclear facilities must not be targeted during conflicts.

“Regardless of where they are located around the world, nuclear facilities should never be attacked,” he said.

His remarks came after a visit to the Arab Gulf region, where he met regional leaders and toured the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in the United Arab Emirates, which was struck by a drone on May 17.

“Attacks on nuclear facilities devoted to peaceful purposes are unacceptable. I solemnly reiterate my calls for the parties in this conflict and in all conflicts to respect the seven indispensable pillars for ensuring nuclear safety and security during a conflict,” Grossi said.

Calling for maximum restraint, he warned that military activities involving nuclear power plants and other nuclear facilities carry “unacceptable risks.”

Grossi stressed that the IAEA applies the same standards to all countries and situations.

“There are no double or triple standards here for the IAEA. An attack on any facility, wherever it is located, is unacceptable, a no-go, taboo,” he said.

He also warned of the potential environmental and public safety consequences of any major release of radioactivity resulting from an attack on an operating nuclear power plant.

“The only sustainable path to peace, stability and cooperation is one grounded in dialogue and diplomacy. This is what we are here for,” Grossi added. ​​​​​​​

OPINION: From nuclear threshold to nuclear deterrence: Is Iran crossing the line?

This work by Middle East Monitor is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

Keir Starmer explains that UK is actively supporting Israel's genocidal expansion and repeats his previous quotation that he supports Zionism "without qualification". Keir Starmer said “I said it loud and clear – and meant it – that I support Zionism without qualification.” here: https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/keir-starmer-interview-i-will-work-to-eradicate-antisemitism-from-day-one/
Keir Starmer explains that UK is actively supporting Israel’s genocidal expansion and repeats his previous quotation that he supports Zionism “without qualification”. Keir Starmer said “I said it loud and clear – and meant it – that I support Zionism without qualification.” here: https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/keir-starmer-interview-i-will-work-to-eradicate-antisemitism-from-day-one/

Orcas discuss rotting brain, front Orca says Sundown Syndrome is a dead givaway and he wishes someone would Lock Him Up
Orcas discuss rotting brain, front Orca says Sundown Syndrome is a dead givaway and he wishes someone would Lock Him Up

Continue ReadingIAEA chief says US-Iran talks close to nuclear framework agreement

Trump says talks with Iran ‘going on continuously,’ adds, ‘where they lead, one never knows’

Spread the love

This work by Middle East Monitor is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

US President Donald Trump gives a speech at the White House in Washington, DC on May 22, 2026. [Kyle Mazza – Anadolu Agency]

US President Donald Trump said Tuesday that diplomatic exchanges with Tehran are proceeding without interruption, contradicting reports of halted communications, Anadolu Agency reports.

“The conversations between us have been going on continuously,” Trump wrote on his social media platform Truth Social, noting that dialogue has occurred daily throughout the week.

He said reports of stopped communications are “false and erroneous.”

Regarding the outcome of the efforts, the US president remarked, “Where they lead, one never knows.”

Trump insisted that Tehran must reach a settlement after nearly five decades of friction, asserting that the situation “cannot be allowed to go on any longer.”

His comments follow reports from the semi-official Tasnim agency that Iran suspended talks via mediators to protest Israeli military actions.

Trump said Monday that he would welcome a period of silence if Iran suspends indirect peace talks with Washington. He also said that talks with Tehran are continuing “at a rapid pace.”

READ: Iran says its armed forces ready ‘more than in the past’ if war renews with US

This work by Middle East Monitor is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

Keir Starmer explains that UK is actively supporting Israel's genocidal expansion and repeats his previous quotation that he supports Zionism "without qualification". Keir Starmer said “I said it loud and clear – and meant it – that I support Zionism without qualification.” here: https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/keir-starmer-interview-i-will-work-to-eradicate-antisemitism-from-day-one/
Keir Starmer explains that UK is actively supporting Israel’s genocidal expansion and repeats his previous quotation that he supports Zionism “without qualification”. Keir Starmer said “I said it loud and clear – and meant it – that I support Zionism without qualification.” here: https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/keir-starmer-interview-i-will-work-to-eradicate-antisemitism-from-day-one/
Donald Trump calls for help from NATO allies in securing the Strait of Hormuz despite saying on 7 March 2026 that they don't need people to join wars after they've already won. He's challenged with the claim that he lies as much as the IDF.
Donald Trump calls for help from NATO allies in securing the Strait of Hormuz despite saying on 7 March 2026 that they don’t need people to join wars after they’ve already won. He’s challenged with the claim that he lies as much as the IDF.
Continue ReadingTrump says talks with Iran ‘going on continuously,’ adds, ‘where they lead, one never knows’

Trump administration pressures Oman to cut ties with Tehran: Report

Spread the love

This work by Middle East Monitor is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

A view of gigantic poster as daily life continues despite the ongoing conflict in Tehran, Iran on April 1, 2026. [Fatemeh Bahrami – Anadolu Agency]

The US has intensified diplomatic pressure on Oman, demanding the Gulf state abandon its historic neutrality and sever diplomatic relations with Iran, according to a Wall Street Journal story on Monday, Anadolu Agency reports.

American and Arab officials indicated that Washington now views Oman’s policy on Iran as being actively hostile to US interests.

The Trump administration has reportedly threatened to impose sanctions or even launch military strikes against Oman following intelligence assessments suggesting the country might join Iran in taxing commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. Both countries have coasts on the strategic waterway.

The Omani leadership has denied these allegations, maintaining that its neutral stance is essential for regional mediation. However, US officials remain skeptical, citing Oman’s refusal to explicitly denounce Iranian military actions.

Friction between the two capitals reportedly began just before the current conflict when Washington felt the Omani foreign minister provided inaccurate assessments on a potential nuclear deal.

US President Donald Trump last week fueled these tensions by warning that Oman must cooperate or face military consequences. “Oman will behave just like everybody else, or we’ll have to blow ‘em up,” said Trump.

READ: Oman FM: US has lost control of foreign policy, entered ‘war that is not its own’

This work by Middle East Monitor is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

Keir Starmer explains that UK is actively supporting Israel's genocidal expansion and repeats his previous quotation that he supports Zionism "without qualification". Keir Starmer said “I said it loud and clear – and meant it – that I support Zionism without qualification.” here: https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/keir-starmer-interview-i-will-work-to-eradicate-antisemitism-from-day-one/
Keir Starmer explains that UK is actively supporting Israel’s genocidal expansion and repeats his previous quotation that he supports Zionism “without qualification”. Keir Starmer said “I said it loud and clear – and meant it – that I support Zionism without qualification.” here: https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/keir-starmer-interview-i-will-work-to-eradicate-antisemitism-from-day-one/
Donald Trump sings and dances, says that it's fun to kill everyone ... unless he gets distracted or falls asleep.
Donald Trump sings and dances, says that it’s fun to kill everyone … unless he gets distracted or falls asleep.
Continue ReadingTrump administration pressures Oman to cut ties with Tehran: Report

Iran says its armed forces ready ‘more than in the past’ if war renews with US

Spread the love

This work by Middle East Monitor is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

Members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) participate in a military exercise aimed at “increasing combat capabilities” in Tehran province, Iran, on May 12, 2026. [Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps – Anadolu Agency]

A spokesman for Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said Tuesday that the readiness of the country’s armed forces today “is more than in the past,” claiming Tehran will use “different” types of weapons in case of a renewed war with the US and Israel.

“The best reason for this issue is that despite the use of its vast capacity on land, sea and air, America could not remove the Strait of Hormuz from Iran’s control even for a few minutes,”

Sardar Mohebbi said in a statement carried by the semi-official news agency Tasnim.

Mohebbi said Tehran is ready for “all possible scenarios,” adding that Washington “failed to achieve its goals” in the Strait of Hormuz during the latest round of the conflict.

Tensions in the Middle East have escalated since the US and Israel launched strikes on Iran in February. Tehran retaliated with attacks targeting Israel and US allies in the Gulf, alongside the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

A ceasefire took effect on April 8 through Pakistani mediation, but subsequent talks in Islamabad failed to produce a lasting agreement. Efforts for a solution, however, have continued since.

READ: Iranian military headquarters warns of retaliation if Beirut’s southern suburbs are attacked

This work by Middle East Monitor is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

Keir Starmer explains that UK is actively supporting Israel's genocidal expansion and repeats his previous quotation that he supports Zionism "without qualification". Keir Starmer said “I said it loud and clear – and meant it – that I support Zionism without qualification.” here: https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/keir-starmer-interview-i-will-work-to-eradicate-antisemitism-from-day-one/
Keir Starmer explains that UK is actively supporting Israel’s genocidal expansion and repeats his previous quotation that he supports Zionism “without qualification”. Keir Starmer said “I said it loud and clear – and meant it – that I support Zionism without qualification.” here: https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/keir-starmer-interview-i-will-work-to-eradicate-antisemitism-from-day-one/
Donald Trump sings and dances, says that it's fun to kill everyone ... unless he gets distracted or falls asleep.
Donald Trump sings and dances, says that it’s fun to kill everyone … unless he gets distracted or falls asleep.

Continue ReadingIran says its armed forces ready ‘more than in the past’ if war renews with US

Iran seeks ceasefire across Lebanon, Ghalibaf tells Berri

Spread the love

This work by Middle East Monitor is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

Speaker of the Iranian Parliament Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf in Tehran, Iran on April 16, 2026. [Iranian Parliament Speaker Office – Anadolu Agency]

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf told his Lebanese counterpart Nabih Berri during a phone call that Tehran is determined to secure a ceasefire across all of Lebanon, including the south.

During the call, Ghalibaf said: “If the crimes continue, we will stop the negotiations.”

He added: “The bond between Iran and Lebanon is inseparable, and our lives and your lives are one.”

Ghalibaf said that if an agreement is reached to end the war between Iran and the United States, it would include a halt to attacks on all fronts, particularly Lebanon.

He stressed that “if the crimes continue, we will not only stop the negotiations, but we will also stand against the Zionist entity.”

For his part, Berri said: “Lebanon will never forget Iran’s positive positions during this critical period.”

Earlier, Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency reported that the Iranian negotiating team had suspended the exchange of messages with the United States through mediators following Israeli attacks on Lebanon.

Citing sources, the agency said: “Given the continued crimes of the Zionist entity in Lebanon, and because Lebanon was one of the preconditions for a ceasefire, and since that ceasefire has now been violated on all fronts, including Lebanon, the Iranian negotiating team is suspending dialogues and the exchange of messages through mediators.”

The developments come amid rising tensions between Iran, the United States and Israel, as Tehran seeks to ensure that any ceasefire covers all regional fronts, including Lebanon, while clashes between Israel and Hezbollah continue to escalate.

Trump rebukes Netanyahu over Lebanon escalation, says it threatens Iran talks: report

This work by Middle East Monitor is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

Keir Starmer explains that UK is actively supporting Israel's genocidal expansion and repeats his previous quotation that he supports Zionism "without qualification". Keir Starmer said “I said it loud and clear – and meant it – that I support Zionism without qualification.” here: https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/keir-starmer-interview-i-will-work-to-eradicate-antisemitism-from-day-one/
Keir Starmer explains that UK is actively supporting Israel’s genocidal expansion and repeats his previous quotation that he supports Zionism “without qualification”. Keir Starmer said “I said it loud and clear – and meant it – that I support Zionism without qualification.” here: https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/keir-starmer-interview-i-will-work-to-eradicate-antisemitism-from-day-one/

Orcas discuss rotting brain, front Orca says Sundown Syndrome is a dead givaway and he wishes someone would Lock Him Up
Orcas discuss rotting brain, front Orca says Sundown Syndrome is a dead givaway and he wishes someone would Lock Him Up

Continue ReadingIran seeks ceasefire across Lebanon, Ghalibaf tells Berri