Morning update

Good morning, Middle East Eye readers.  

Hopes for a breakthrough in US-Iran negotiations remain high as Donald Trump says most elements of a deal have been negotiated, but he has instructed his team not to rush, insisting Washington has time to secure the right outcome.

Iran says progress has been made but mistrust remains, while reports suggest an emerging framework could reopen the Strait of Hormuz and extend the ceasefire. Meanwhile, fighting continues in Lebanon despite ongoing diplomatic efforts.

Here are the latest updates: 

  • US officials say roughly 95 percent of the agreement framework has been completed, with negotiations now focused on final wording.

  • Reuters reports Iran has agreed in principle to reopen the Strait of Hormuz under the emerging deal framework.

  • US Secretary of State Marco Rubio says a β€œsolid” proposal remains on the table and Trump will not accept a bad deal.

  • Brent crude falls below $100 a barrel as markets increasingly expect a diplomatic breakthrough.

  • Tankers bound for Pakistan and China continue exiting the Strait of Hormuz as shipping conditions improve.

  • The Israeli military orders evacuations in 10 villages in southern Lebanon ahead of planned strikes.

  • Hezbollah reports a new wave of operations against Israeli troops in southern Lebanon, while Israeli strikes kill two people and wound 10 others.

  • The Lebanese president renews calls for a full Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory.

  • US lawmakers from both parties continue questioning aspects of Trump’s approach to the emerging Iran agreement.

This article was sourced from Middle East Eye.

Read Full Article on Middle East Eye β†’