Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps spokesman Brig. Gen. Hossein Mohbehi on Monday denied President Donald Trump’s claim that Washington was engaged in backchannel discussions with Iran’s IRGC.“There are no talks taking place between IRGC officials and the Americans, and this lie by Trump is merely fantasies caused by the delusions and nightmares he has suffered as a result of defeat and desperation in the war,” Mohbehi was quoted as saying by Iran’s semi-official Tasnim News agency.&nbsp;He further stressed that the IRGC “speaks its word on the battlefield” and that the “diplomatic matters fall within the remit of other parts of the Islamic Republic.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/supreme-court-rejects-trump-s-renewed-appeal-to-block-e-jean-carroll-award-1786975184644">Supreme Court rejects Trump’s renewed appeal to block E. Jean Carroll award</a>&nbsp;“According to the information we have and based on the statements of the respected officials of the Foreign Ministry, even in this area, no talks are currently taking place with the Americans because of their broken promises and the dark experience of repeated and continual US breaches of commitments,” the IRGC spokesman said.&nbsp;Mohbehi further said that Trump’s mental fantasies will not help him on the field and added that the US president’s only real option is to accept defeat and meet Iran’s conditions.&nbsp;&nbsp;“The sooner and faster the Americans accept their failure and make decisions accordingly, the more they can save their country from greater and heavier losses," Mohebbi warned. He also accused Trump of using his statements to temporarily manipulate global oil and energy prices.<h2>‘Victory lies in unity,’ says Iran’s judiciary chief</h2>&nbsp;Iran’s judiciary chief Gholam-Hossein Mohseni Ejei said that the country must not become complacent about the “enemy’s plots in hybrid warfare”, and emphasised that the “key to victory is unity and following the supreme leader”.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-cannot-live-with-war-former-iran-president-warns-against-prolonged-conflict-urges-diplomacy-1786912223136">‘We cannot live with war’: Former Iran president warns against prolonged conflict, urges diplomacy</a>&nbsp;“Following the defeat of the US enemy against the Islamic Republic of Iran, the beliefs and perceptions of the leaders of US-aligned countries regarding our country’s power have changed,” he added.Various leaders and heads of administration and judiciary have been stressing unity among the Iranian people, who have been facing severe crackdowns by the regime before the war.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>‘Internet censorship to end,’ says Iran’s vice president&nbsp;</h2>&nbsp;Iranian First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref said Monday that President Masoud Pezeshkian has decided the country’s censorship of the internet should be brought to an end, although he said the process would take time due to the involvement of myriad legal bodies and councils.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/vande-mataram-row-which-section-of-the-new-law-can-put-sonia-gandhi-in-the-dock-1786971951028">Vande Mataram row: Which section of the new law can put Sonia Gandhi in the dock</a>&nbsp;Iran’s Tasnim News agency reported Aref as saying that improving the quality of internet connectivity for Iranians was a priority for the government, but he warned that Iran’s enemies were seeking to use economic pressure to undermine social resilience.He also urged Iranian media to take a more assertive role, saying, “The media must shift from a defensive position to an offensive one; because in media work, the first narrator is the winner.”

IRGC spokesman Brig. Gen. Hossein Mohbehi said Trump’s mental fantasies will not help him on the field. He added that Trump’s only real option is to accept defeat and meet Iran’s conditions. He also accused Trump of using his statements to temporarily manipulate global oil and energy prices.

Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps spokesman Brig. Gen. Hossein Mohbehi on Monday denied President Donald Trump’s claim that Washington was engaged in backchannel discussions with Iran’s IRGC. “There are no talks taking place between IRGC officials and the Americans, and this lie by Trump is merely fantasies caused by the delusions and nightmares he has suffered as a result of defeat and desperation in the war,” Mohbehi was quoted as saying by Iran’s semi-official Tasnim News agency. He further stressed that the IRGC “speaks its word on the battlefield” and that the “diplomatic matters fall within the remit of other parts of the Islamic Republic.” Also Read: Supreme Court rejects Trump’s renewed appeal to block E. Jean Carroll award “According to the information we have and based on the statements of the respected officials of the Foreign Ministry, even in this area, no talks are currently taking place with the Americans because of their broken promises and the dark experience of repeated and continual US breaches of commitments,” the IRGC spokesman said. Mohbehi further said that Trump’s mental fantasies will not help him on the field and added that the US president’s only real option is to accept defeat and meet Iran’s conditions. “The sooner and faster the Americans accept their failure and make decisions accordingly, the more they can save their country from greater and heavier losses," Mohebbi warned. He also accused Trump of using his statements to temporarily manipulate global oil and energy prices. ‘Victory lies in unity,’ says Iran’s judiciary chief Iran’s judiciary chief Gholam-Hossein Mohseni Ejei said that the country must not become complacent about the “enemy’s plots in hybrid warfare”, and emphasised that the “key to victory is unity and following the supreme leader”. Also Read: ‘We cannot live with war’: Former Iran president warns against prolonged conflict, urges diplomacy “Following the defeat of the US enemy against the Islamic Republic of Iran, the beliefs and perceptions of the leaders of US-aligned countries regarding our country’s power have changed,” he added. Various leaders and heads of administration and judiciary have been stressing unity among the Iranian people, who have been facing severe crackdowns by the regime before the war. ‘Internet censorship to end,’ says Iran’s vice president Iranian First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref said Monday that President Masoud Pezeshkian has decided the country’s censorship of the internet should be brought to an end, although he said the process would take time due to the involvement of myriad legal bodies and councils. Also Read: Vande Mataram row: Which section of the new law can put Sonia Gandhi in the dock Iran’s Tasnim News agency reported Aref as saying that improving the quality of internet connectivity for Iranians was a priority for the government, but he warned that Iran’s enemies were seeking to use economic pressure to undermine social resilience. He also urged Iranian media to take a more assertive role, saying, “The media must shift from a defensive position to an offensive one; because in media work, the first narrator is the winner.”

IRGC spokesman Brig. Gen. Hossein Mohbehi said Trump’s mental fantasies will not help him on the field. He added that Trump’s only real option is to accept defeat and meet Iran’s conditions. He also accused Trump of using his statements to temporarily manipulate global oil and energy prices.

IRGC refutes Trump’s claim of backchannel talks, calls it ‘result of his delusions’

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei stated during a Monday (Aug 17) press conference as reported by the Tasnim news agency that the 60-day window for negotiations following the June 17 memorandum of understanding with the United States has "lost its relevance" due to "flagrant" American violations. Baqaei stressed, “There is no provision in the memorandum of understanding referring to a ‘60-day deadline’, and the Islamic Republic of Iran never formulates its policies under pressure, ultimatums or time limits”. He explained that while the agreement planned for a extendable 60-day negotiation phase covering “the lifting of sanctions” and “the nuclear issue,” direct talks never launched. "Due to the flagrant and widespread violation of the memorandum of understanding by the United States, no dialogue was started just a few weeks after its signing,” he noted, adding that "the discussion of the 60-day deadline completely lost its relevance".&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-iran-mou-expires-what-happens-next-as-trump-tehran-clash-over-hormuz-1786957231936/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-iran-mou-expires-what-happens-next-as-trump-tehran-clash-over-hormuz-1786957231936/embed</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;Baqaei dismissed the impact of US sanctions and noted that resolving disputes does not hinge on a "lack of mediators". He acknowledged that while countries like Pakistan and Qatar facilitate communication, and European nations offer “good offices,” this "does not mean that a new mediator has emerged or been accepted in the course of Iran-US relations".&nbsp;Regarding maritime security, Baqaei confirmed ongoing talks with Oman to establish a Strait of Hormuz transit map, though progress faces delays from "security complications caused by the actions of the US and the Israeli regime, the multiplicity of actors and the disruption of malicious currents".&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-cannot-live-with-war-former-iran-president-warns-against-prolonged-conflict-urges-diplomacy-1786912223136">‘We cannot live with war’: Former Iran president warns against prolonged conflict, urges diplomacy</a>&nbsp;Finally, Baqaei addressed the missing airmen from the March 2 engagement where Qatar reported downing two Iranian Su-24s during strikes on a US base, resulting in one confirmed fatality and three missing pilots. Pushing back against Doha's recent denial of holding them, Baqaei affirmed, "Diplomatic relations with Qatar do not conflict with the serious pursuit of the fate of the army pilots".&nbsp;This diplomatic fallout follows the February 28 US-Israeli joint strikes, retaliatory regional action, an April ceasefire, and the subsequent collapse of the June peace memorandum.

Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei states the 60-day negotiation window with the US has lost relevance due to American MOU violations.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei stated during a Monday (Aug 17) press conference as reported by the Tasnim news agency that the 60-day window for negotiations following the June 17 memorandum of understanding with the United States has "lost its relevance" due to "flagrant" American violations. Baqaei stressed, “There is no provision in the memorandum of understanding referring to a ‘60-day deadline’, and the Islamic Republic of Iran never formulates its policies under pressure, ultimatums or time limits”. He explained that while the agreement planned for a extendable 60-day negotiation phase covering “the lifting of sanctions” and “the nuclear issue,” direct talks never launched. "Due to the flagrant and widespread violation of the memorandum of understanding by the United States, no dialogue was started just a few weeks after its signing,” he noted, adding that "the discussion of the 60-day deadline completely lost its relevance". https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-iran-mou-expires-what-happens-next-as-trump-tehran-clash-over-hormuz-1786957231936/embed Baqaei dismissed the impact of US sanctions and noted that resolving disputes does not hinge on a "lack of mediators". He acknowledged that while countries like Pakistan and Qatar facilitate communication, and European nations offer “good offices,” this "does not mean that a new mediator has emerged or been accepted in the course of Iran-US relations". Regarding maritime security, Baqaei confirmed ongoing talks with Oman to establish a Strait of Hormuz transit map, though progress faces delays from "security complications caused by the actions of the US and the Israeli regime, the multiplicity of actors and the disruption of malicious currents". Also read: ‘We cannot live with war’: Former Iran president warns against prolonged conflict, urges diplomacy Finally, Baqaei addressed the missing airmen from the March 2 engagement where Qatar reported downing two Iranian Su-24s during strikes on a US base, resulting in one confirmed fatality and three missing pilots. Pushing back against Doha's recent denial of holding them, Baqaei affirmed, "Diplomatic relations with Qatar do not conflict with the serious pursuit of the fate of the army pilots". This diplomatic fallout follows the February 28 US-Israeli joint strikes, retaliatory regional action, an April ceasefire, and the subsequent collapse of the June peace memorandum.

Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei states the 60-day negotiation window with the US has lost relevance due to American MOU violations.

60-day US negotiation window ‘lost relevance’ after flagrant violations: Iran's Foreign Ministry

Iran's Deputy Parliament Speaker Hamidreza Haji Babaei has said the Islamic Republic will never reach an agreement with the United States, reiterating Tehran's hardline position amid continued tensions between the two countries.&nbsp;"The Islamic Republic will never make a deal with the United States," Haji Babaei said on Monday (July 27), according to Iranian media.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-says-it-is-pursuing-alleged-us-war-crimes-through-legal-channels-what-are-these-channels-wion-decodes-1785187325727">Iran says it is pursuing alleged US ‘war crimes’ through legal channels. What are these channels? WION Decodes</a>&nbsp;He also argued that Iran should not allow Washington to dictate the course of conflict in the region, saying the United States must not be able to launch military action and then unilaterally decide when hostilities should end.&nbsp;"We must not allow the United States to wage war whenever it wants and declare a ceasefire whenever it chooses," Haji Babaei said. He added that Iran must stand firmly against US demands and prevent Washington from acting as it pleases in the region.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kill-melania-barron-why-is-irgc-linked-media-outlet-urging-freedom-fighters-to-assassinate-trump-s-family-watch-1785183071114">‘Kill Melania, Barron’: Why is IRGC-linked media outlet urging ‘freedom fighters’ to assassinate Trump’s family? WATCH</a>&nbsp;His remarks come as relations between Tehran and Washington remain strained following recent military tensions and repeated exchanges of accusations. Iranian officials have consistently maintained that the country will not bow to pressure from the United States, while Washington has continued to call for changes in Tehran's regional and nuclear policies.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-have-far-more-than-we-need-trump-rejects-us-munitions-shortage-claims-but-what-do-reports-say-1785179641900">'We have far more than we need': Trump rejects US munitions shortage claims. But what do reports say?</a>&nbsp;Haji Babaei's comments reinforce Iran's public stance that any future engagement with the United States remains off the table under current circumstances, according to Iranian media reports.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/if-they-had-nuclear-weapon-there-might-not-be-a-middle-east-today-trump-s-fresh-jibe-at-iran-1784933816124">‘If they had nuclear weapon, there might not be a Middle East today’: Trump’s fresh jibe at Iran</a>

Iran's Deputy Parliament Speaker Hamidreza Haji Babaei declared Tehran will never make a deal with the US, stressing that Iran must resist American military aggression and regional control.

Iran's Deputy Parliament Speaker Hamidreza Haji Babaei has said the Islamic Republic will never reach an agreement with the United States, reiterating Tehran's hardline position amid continued tensions between the two countries. "The Islamic Republic will never make a deal with the United States," Haji Babaei said on Monday (July 27), according to Iranian media. Also read: Iran says it is pursuing alleged US ‘war crimes’ through legal channels. What are these channels? WION Decodes He also argued that Iran should not allow Washington to dictate the course of conflict in the region, saying the United States must not be able to launch military action and then unilaterally decide when hostilities should end. "We must not allow the United States to wage war whenever it wants and declare a ceasefire whenever it chooses," Haji Babaei said. He added that Iran must stand firmly against US demands and prevent Washington from acting as it pleases in the region. Also read: ‘Kill Melania, Barron’: Why is IRGC-linked media outlet urging ‘freedom fighters’ to assassinate Trump’s family? WATCH His remarks come as relations between Tehran and Washington remain strained following recent military tensions and repeated exchanges of accusations. Iranian officials have consistently maintained that the country will not bow to pressure from the United States, while Washington has continued to call for changes in Tehran's regional and nuclear policies. Also read: 'We have far more than we need': Trump rejects US munitions shortage claims. But what do reports say? Haji Babaei's comments reinforce Iran's public stance that any future engagement with the United States remains off the table under current circumstances, according to Iranian media reports. Also read: ‘If they had nuclear weapon, there might not be a Middle East today’: Trump’s fresh jibe at Iran

Iran's Deputy Parliament Speaker Hamidreza Haji Babaei declared Tehran will never make a deal with the US, stressing that Iran must resist American military aggression and regional control.

'Islamic Republic will never make a deal with the US': Iran deputy speaker echoes Araghchi’s remark

Iran has rejected US President Donald Trump's claim that negotiations with Washington are underway, with the country's Foreign Ministry insisting that no talks are currently taking place between the two sides.&nbsp;In a statement on Monday (July 27), the ministry said Iran was "not engaged in any negotiations with the United States" and dismissed suggestions that Tehran had sought to restart dialogue, saying such an approach was "not in our DNA". Instead, it claimed it was Washington that had requested talks, according to Iranian news agency Tasnim.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-have-far-more-than-we-need-trump-rejects-us-munitions-shortage-claims-but-what-do-reports-say-1785179641900">'We have far more than we need': Trump rejects US munitions shortage claims. But what do reports say?</a>&nbsp;The remarks came despite a pause in the recent military confrontation between Iran and the United States, with both sides refraining from launching fresh strikes for a second consecutive day.Trump's administration has maintained that diplomatic efforts are continuing. However, Tehran's latest statement directly contradicted the US president's assertion that negotiations were already in progress following the suspension of military action.&nbsp;The Iranian Foreign Ministry also said there had been no change in the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, adding that the strategic waterway remained completely closed to all lanes.The pause in hostilities has fuelled hopes of a possible diplomatic breakthrough and contributed to a sharp decline in global oil prices.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/unlike-his-father-us-intelligence-flags-iran-s-new-leader-s-nuclear-ambitions-1784935494215">'Unlike his father': US intelligence flags Iran's new leader's ‘nuclear ambitions’</a>&nbsp;US Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz said President Trump was allowing diplomacy to continue while keeping military options available. "The President is giving talks some space. We remain locked and loaded, but he's going to give negotiations a little bit of room," Waltz told Fox News on Sunday.&nbsp;According to CNN, citing a US source, military operations are currently "on hold", while regional allies have not reported any fresh Iranian attacks during the pause.

Iran denied Donald Trump's claims of active negotiations with Washington, stating talks are "not in our DNA." Despite direct contradictions, a pause in military strikes continues, easing global oil prices.

Iran has rejected US President Donald Trump's claim that negotiations with Washington are underway, with the country's Foreign Ministry insisting that no talks are currently taking place between the two sides. In a statement on Monday (July 27), the ministry said Iran was "not engaged in any negotiations with the United States" and dismissed suggestions that Tehran had sought to restart dialogue, saying such an approach was "not in our DNA". Instead, it claimed it was Washington that had requested talks, according to Iranian news agency Tasnim. Also read: 'We have far more than we need': Trump rejects US munitions shortage claims. But what do reports say? The remarks came despite a pause in the recent military confrontation between Iran and the United States, with both sides refraining from launching fresh strikes for a second consecutive day. Trump's administration has maintained that diplomatic efforts are continuing. However, Tehran's latest statement directly contradicted the US president's assertion that negotiations were already in progress following the suspension of military action. The Iranian Foreign Ministry also said there had been no change in the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, adding that the strategic waterway remained completely closed to all lanes. The pause in hostilities has fuelled hopes of a possible diplomatic breakthrough and contributed to a sharp decline in global oil prices. Also read: 'Unlike his father': US intelligence flags Iran's new leader's ‘nuclear ambitions’ US Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz said President Trump was allowing diplomacy to continue while keeping military options available. "The President is giving talks some space. We remain locked and loaded, but he's going to give negotiations a little bit of room," Waltz told Fox News on Sunday. According to CNN, citing a US source, military operations are currently "on hold", while regional allies have not reported any fresh Iranian attacks during the pause.

Iran denied Donald Trump's claims of active negotiations with Washington, stating talks are "not in our DNA." Despite direct contradictions, a pause in military strikes continues, easing global oil prices.

'Not in our DNA': Iran denies seeking US negotiations, rejects Trump's remarks

US President Donald Trump says Washington is ready for another round of negotiations with Iran, even as the US imposed fresh sanctions targeting key Iranian financial networks. Reports suggest new talks could take place in Switzerland, while Qatar, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Oman continue diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation in the region. Meanwhile, Iran has rejected claims that it requested negotiations and has accused the US of violating previous understandings through renewed military action.


Trump agrees to fresh iran talks as us imposes new sanctions amid rising middle east tensions

The United States is considering using Iranian assets to help cover the cost of repairing damage caused by future Iranian attacks on Gulf countries, Reuters reported on Saturday, citing a source familiar with the matter.&nbsp;According to the report, the US government is exploring ways to redirect Iranian assets to Gulf states for rebuilding and repair work following damage linked to Iran's military actions. The source said US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has also instructed a team to assess the cost of damage already caused to Gulf allies by Iran. The United States may consider using Iranian assets to pay for those repairs as well.<h2>Peace talks face fresh uncertainty</h2>The development comes a day after Mohsen Rezaei, an adviser to Iran's supreme leader, told CNN that any peace agreement would depend on the release of $24 billion in Iranian assets frozen by the United States.&nbsp;However, Reuters reported that the source did not specify what type of Iranian assets were being reviewed by the Treasury Department. The language used by officials also suggested the measures may not be limited to frozen assets alone.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-multiple-people-injured-in-shooting-near-toledo-festival-in-ohio-1780788337045">US: Multiple people injured in shooting near Toledo festival in Ohio</a>&nbsp;The proposal to redirect Iranian assets could add further strain to the already fragile ceasefire between the United States and Iran, which faced another test over the weekend.&nbsp;Early on Saturday, US forces struck Iranian coastal radar sites in Goruk and on Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz. The strikes came after the US Central Command said it had intercepted drones launched by Iran that posed a threat to maritime traffic.&nbsp;Iran's Revolutionary Guard said it responded by targeting US military bases in Kuwait and Bahrain.&nbsp;(Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.)

The development may add fresh strain to ongoing negotiations, as Mohsen Rezaei, an adviser to Iran's supreme leader, recently said that a peace deal hinges on the release of $24 billion in Iranian assets frozen by the United States.

The United States is considering using Iranian assets to help cover the cost of repairing damage caused by future Iranian attacks on Gulf countries, Reuters reported on Saturday, citing a source familiar with the matter. According to the report, the US government is exploring ways to redirect Iranian assets to Gulf states for rebuilding and repair work following damage linked to Iran's military actions. The source said US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has also instructed a team to assess the cost of damage already caused to Gulf allies by Iran. The United States may consider using Iranian assets to pay for those repairs as well. Peace talks face fresh uncertainty The development comes a day after Mohsen Rezaei, an adviser to Iran's supreme leader, told CNN that any peace agreement would depend on the release of $24 billion in Iranian assets frozen by the United States. However, Reuters reported that the source did not specify what type of Iranian assets were being reviewed by the Treasury Department. The language used by officials also suggested the measures may not be limited to frozen assets alone. Also Read: US: Multiple people injured in shooting near Toledo festival in Ohio The proposal to redirect Iranian assets could add further strain to the already fragile ceasefire between the United States and Iran, which faced another test over the weekend. Early on Saturday, US forces struck Iranian coastal radar sites in Goruk and on Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz. The strikes came after the US Central Command said it had intercepted drones launched by Iran that posed a threat to maritime traffic. Iran's Revolutionary Guard said it responded by targeting US military bases in Kuwait and Bahrain. (Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.)

The development may add fresh strain to ongoing negotiations, as Mohsen Rezaei, an adviser to Iran's supreme leader, recently said that a peace deal hinges on the release of $24 billion in Iranian assets frozen by the United States.

US considers using Iranian assets to fund repairs in Gulf countries: Report

Lebanese Army Commander Rodolphe Haykal reportedly departed for Pakistan on Saturday (June 6) for talks with Pakistan's military leadership, and the visit is connected to wider diplomatic efforts surrounding ongoing negotiations between the US and Iran, as per reports. In a statement, the Lebanese army said Haykal left Lebanon for Pakistan at the invitation of his Pakistani counterpart, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir.&nbsp;While the military statement did not provide further details on the agenda of the visit, a source familiar with the matter told AFP that the trip is linked to Pakistan's mediation efforts aimed at resolving issues between Washington and Tehran.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spying-among-friends-pentagon-s-secret-israel-alert-revives-explosive-snowden-claims-1780767454185">‘Spying among friends’? Pentagon’s SECRET Israel alert revives explosive Snowden claims</a>&nbsp;The source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the visit was "linked to the Pakistani mediation to resolve" outstanding matters between the United States and Iran, which are engaged in negotiations to bring an end to the broader conflict that has engulfed West Asia. "Lebanon is a critical part of the negotiations," the source added, without elaborating on the country's specific role in the diplomatic process. According to the source, Field Marshal Asim Munir has emerged as Islamabad's principal negotiator in contacts between the United States and Iran.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-should-be-realistic-iranian-fm-crushes-trump-s-desire-to-meet-mojtaba-khamenei-know-details-1780748378190">‘We should be realistic’: Iranian FM crushes Trump’s desire to meet Khamenei</a>&nbsp;The visit comes as diplomatic efforts continue behind the scenes to reduce tensions across the region and secure a lasting settlement to the conflict, with multiple regional actors reportedly involved in discussions aimed at preventing further escalation. Neither Pakistani nor Lebanese officials have publicly commented on the reported connection between Haykal's visit and the US-Iran talks beyond the official announcement of the military chief's trip. &nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iranian-attack-a-dangerous-escalation-kuwait-warns-after-tehran-again-fires-missiles-1780747962865">'Iranian attack a dangerous escalation', Kuwait warns after Iran fires missiles</a>

Lebanese Army Commander Rodolphe Haykal arrived in Pakistan to meet Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, reportedly to support Pakistan-led mediation efforts aimed at resolving ongoing US-Iran tensions and West Asia conflicts.

Lebanese Army Commander Rodolphe Haykal reportedly departed for Pakistan on Saturday (June 6) for talks with Pakistan's military leadership, and the visit is connected to wider diplomatic efforts surrounding ongoing negotiations between the US and Iran, as per reports. In a statement, the Lebanese army said Haykal left Lebanon for Pakistan at the invitation of his Pakistani counterpart, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir. While the military statement did not provide further details on the agenda of the visit, a source familiar with the matter told AFP that the trip is linked to Pakistan's mediation efforts aimed at resolving issues between Washington and Tehran. Also read: ‘Spying among friends’? Pentagon’s SECRET Israel alert revives explosive Snowden claims The source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the visit was "linked to the Pakistani mediation to resolve" outstanding matters between the United States and Iran, which are engaged in negotiations to bring an end to the broader conflict that has engulfed West Asia. "Lebanon is a critical part of the negotiations," the source added, without elaborating on the country's specific role in the diplomatic process. According to the source, Field Marshal Asim Munir has emerged as Islamabad's principal negotiator in contacts between the United States and Iran. Also read: ‘We should be realistic’: Iranian FM crushes Trump’s desire to meet Khamenei The visit comes as diplomatic efforts continue behind the scenes to reduce tensions across the region and secure a lasting settlement to the conflict, with multiple regional actors reportedly involved in discussions aimed at preventing further escalation. Neither Pakistani nor Lebanese officials have publicly commented on the reported connection between Haykal's visit and the US-Iran talks beyond the official announcement of the military chief's trip. Also read: 'Iranian attack a dangerous escalation', Kuwait warns after Iran fires missiles

Lebanese Army Commander Rodolphe Haykal arrived in Pakistan to meet Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, reportedly to support Pakistan-led mediation efforts aimed at resolving ongoing US-Iran tensions and West Asia conflicts.

Something big ahead? Lebanese army chief visits Pakistan amid reports of link to US-Iran negotiations

The talks follow weeks of conflict that disrupted global energy markets and heightened regional instability. The outcome of these negotiations carries immediate geopolitical and economic consequences.

US-Iran negotiations in Islamabad: Will fragile ceasefire hold as high-stakes talks begin? Five things to know

Multiple countries, including the United States, Kuwait, and India, have advised their citizens on Tuesday (April 7) to exercise caution in the coming days and take precautionary measures, including staying away from high-risk areas, as President Trump's deadline to strike Iran's power plants, civilian infrastructure, and bridges, if Tehran does not comply with his demand to reopen the vital Strait of Hormuz draws near.&nbsp;Trump further escalated his rhetoric against Tehran on Tuesday, threatening to erase an entire civilisation if US demands are not met, writing on Truth Social, "A whole civilisation will die tonight, never to be brought back again," while simultaneously mounting pressure for a deal, saying "something revolutionarily wonderful can happen."&nbsp;<h2>India tells citizens in Iran: Avoid military installations, stay put</h2> The Indian embassy in Iran advised its nationals still in the country to remain where they are for the next 48 hours and stay indoors. "Indian nationals who are still in Iran must stay where they are for the next 48 hours, avoiding all electric and military installations and upper floors of multi-storey buildings, remaining indoors, and coordinating any highway movement strictly with the embassy," the embassy said.&nbsp;Those staying in embassy-arranged hotels have been advised to remain indoors and stay in regular contact with on-site embassy teams. The mission also urged all Indian nationals to closely monitor official updates.<h2>US warns citizens against Hajj travel amid tensions</h2>The United States has urged its citizens to reconsider travelling to Saudi Arabia to take part in the Hajj pilgrimage next month, citing security concerns.&nbsp;&nbsp;In a statement posted by the US embassy in Riyadh, and pointing to a recent travel advisory cautioning against visiting Saudi Arabia due to Iranian missile and drone attacks, the embassy said, "Due to the ongoing security situation and intermittent travel disruptions, we advise reconsidering participation in Hajj this year."&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraq-s-kataeb-hezbollah-to-release-us-journalist-a-week-after-baghdad-kidnapping-1775580011153">Iraq’s Kataeb Hezbollah to release US journalist Shelly Kittleson a week after Baghdad kidnapping</a><h2>Kuwait imposes midnight curfew amid Hormuz standoff &nbsp;</h2>Kuwait asked residents to avoid going outside from midnight until Wednesday morning, hours ahead of the US deadline for Iran to agree to a deal or face major strikes on civilian infrastructure. "The interior ministry tells citizens and residents that it is crucial to stay at home and avoid going out, unless absolutely urgent, from midnight Tuesday, April 7 until 6 am Wednesday, April 8," it said in a statement shared on X.<h2>Bahrain suspends main port operations ahead of US deadline &nbsp;</h2>Bahrain's main port announced a suspension of operations starting early Wednesday, around the time of the US deadline for Iran to agree to a deal or face attacks on civilian infrastructure.&nbsp;"Operations in Khalifa Bin Salman Port will be temporarily suspended from early April 8. We continuously adapt our operations to the circumstances and have, as a result, temporarily paused operations in recent weeks when needed," APM Terminals Bahrain, which operates the port, AFP reported.&nbsp;&nbsp;(Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.) &nbsp;

The United States has urged its citizens to reconsider travelling to Saudi Arabia to take part in the Hajj pilgrimage next month, citing security concerns. 

Multiple countries, including the United States, Kuwait, and India, have advised their citizens on Tuesday (April 7) to exercise caution in the coming days and take precautionary measures, including staying away from high-risk areas, as President Trump's deadline to strike Iran's power plants, civilian infrastructure, and bridges, if Tehran does not comply with his demand to reopen the vital Strait of Hormuz draws near. Trump further escalated his rhetoric against Tehran on Tuesday, threatening to erase an entire civilisation if US demands are not met, writing on Truth Social, "A whole civilisation will die tonight, never to be brought back again," while simultaneously mounting pressure for a deal, saying "something revolutionarily wonderful can happen." India tells citizens in Iran: Avoid military installations, stay put The Indian embassy in Iran advised its nationals still in the country to remain where they are for the next 48 hours and stay indoors. "Indian nationals who are still in Iran must stay where they are for the next 48 hours, avoiding all electric and military installations and upper floors of multi-storey buildings, remaining indoors, and coordinating any highway movement strictly with the embassy," the embassy said. Those staying in embassy-arranged hotels have been advised to remain indoors and stay in regular contact with on-site embassy teams. The mission also urged all Indian nationals to closely monitor official updates. US warns citizens against Hajj travel amid tensions The United States has urged its citizens to reconsider travelling to Saudi Arabia to take part in the Hajj pilgrimage next month, citing security concerns. In a statement posted by the US embassy in Riyadh, and pointing to a recent travel advisory cautioning against visiting Saudi Arabia due to Iranian missile and drone attacks, the embassy said, "Due to the ongoing security situation and intermittent travel disruptions, we advise reconsidering participation in Hajj this year." Also Read: Iraq’s Kataeb Hezbollah to release US journalist Shelly Kittleson a week after Baghdad kidnapping Kuwait imposes midnight curfew amid Hormuz standoff Kuwait asked residents to avoid going outside from midnight until Wednesday morning, hours ahead of the US deadline for Iran to agree to a deal or face major strikes on civilian infrastructure. "The interior ministry tells citizens and residents that it is crucial to stay at home and avoid going out, unless absolutely urgent, from midnight Tuesday, April 7 until 6 am Wednesday, April 8," it said in a statement shared on X. Bahrain suspends main port operations ahead of US deadline Bahrain's main port announced a suspension of operations starting early Wednesday, around the time of the US deadline for Iran to agree to a deal or face attacks on civilian infrastructure. "Operations in Khalifa Bin Salman Port will be temporarily suspended from early April 8. We continuously adapt our operations to the circumstances and have, as a result, temporarily paused operations in recent weeks when needed," APM Terminals Bahrain, which operates the port, AFP reported. (Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.)

The United States has urged its citizens to reconsider travelling to Saudi Arabia to take part in the Hajj pilgrimage next month, citing security concerns.&nbsp;

From US, Kuwait to India, nations alert citizens as Trump's Hormuz deadline nears

As the US ultimatum to Iran draws to a close, JD Vance touts “tools in our toolkit". These comments come during his visit to Budapest ahead of Hungary's crucial elections on Tuesday (Apr 7). Simultaneously, the US Vice President expresses optimism that negotiations will avert their deployment. Speaking to reporters on the ground, he said, “The United States has largely accomplished its military objectives.”&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-war-trump-issues-grave-threats-as-hormuz-deadline-draws-closer-1775576670079/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-war-trump-issues-grave-threats-as-hormuz-deadline-draws-closer-1775576670079/embed</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;"They've got to know we've got tools in our toolkit that we so far haven't decided to use. The president of the United States can decide to use them, and he will decide to use them if the Iranians don't change their course of conduct," Vance added.&nbsp;<h3>WATCH VIDEO:</h3>&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">US vice-president JD Vance &quot;hopes Iran makes the right response&quot;, says &quot;we have tools in our toolkit that we so far haven’t decided to use&quot; . . . Track LIVE updates here: <a href="https://t.co/C432DGJIzb">https://t.co/C432DGJIzb</a> <a href="https://t.co/wyAzsWilZL">pic.twitter.com/wyAzsWilZL</a>&mdash; WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/2041502365573066870?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 7, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-mr-president-hungary-loves-you-more-jd-vance-campaigns-for-trump-in-hungarian-pm-viktor-s-presence-1775584559533">'Mr President, Hungary loves you more': JD Vance campaigns for Trump in Hungarian PM Viktor's presence</a> Trump had announced a 5-day pause on March 23 and then extended it for 10 days on March 27. According to this timeline, the 10th day would be April 6, but on March 30, the US president threatened Iran even before the ultimatum could end. And on April 6, the deadline was extended to April 7, until 8:00 p.m. ET. This is the final timeline Trump claims to give Iran to strike a deal. If one observes the pattern, the US president has been extending his Iran ultimatums for some time. After Donald Trump's warning that a "whole civilisation will die' on Tuesday (Apr 7), the White House has clarified that only the US President knows his plans in Iran. From the ‘stone age’ warning to targeting the Kharg Island to the end of the ultimatum, the West Asia war is only escalating. "The Iranian regime has until 8PM Eastern Time to meet the moment and make a deal with the United States," Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement to news agency AFP.

"Tools in our toolkit." Vice President JD Vance expresses cautious optimism for a diplomatic resolution with Iran, even as the US maintains a high-stakes military ultimatum over the Strait of Hormuz.

As the US ultimatum to Iran draws to a close, JD Vance touts “tools in our toolkit". These comments come during his visit to Budapest ahead of Hungary's crucial elections on Tuesday (Apr 7). Simultaneously, the US Vice President expresses optimism that negotiations will avert their deployment. Speaking to reporters on the ground, he said, “The United States has largely accomplished its military objectives.” https://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-war-trump-issues-grave-threats-as-hormuz-deadline-draws-closer-1775576670079/embed "They've got to know we've got tools in our toolkit that we so far haven't decided to use. The president of the United States can decide to use them, and he will decide to use them if the Iranians don't change their course of conduct," Vance added. WATCH VIDEO:

"Tools in our toolkit." Vice President JD Vance expresses cautious optimism for a diplomatic resolution with Iran, even as the US maintains a high-stakes military ultimatum over the Strait of Hormuz.

'Tools in our toolkit', says JD Vance as he expresses optimism over Iran negotiations

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From US, Kuwait to India, nations alert citizens as Trump's deadline nears

'Tools in our toolkit', says JD Vance as he expresses optimism over negotiations