Latest news with #nucleardeal
Free Malaysia Today
4 hours ago
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
European FMs aim to meet Iran for nuclear talks Friday in Geneva
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas insists diplomacy is the best way to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapon. (AFP pic) BRUSSELS : Foreign ministers from key European powers France, Germany and Britain and the EU's top diplomat are aiming to meet their Iranian counterpart for nuclear talks in Geneva on Friday, European diplomats said. The meeting being planned comes as European countries call for de-escalation in the face of Israel's bombing campaign against Iran's nuclear programme. US President Donald Trump has warned he is weighing military action against Iran's nuclear facilities as Israel pummels the country and Tehran responds with missile fire. Israel says its air campaign is aimed at preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. Iran had been enriching uranium to 60% – far above the 3.67% limit set by a 2015 deal with international powers, but still short of the 90% threshold needed for a nuclear warhead. France, Germany, Britain and the European Union were all signatories of the 2015 agreement, which was sunk by Trump during his first term in office. The EU's foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has insisted that diplomacy remains the best path towards ensuring that Iran does not develop a nuclear bomb.
The Sun
10 hours ago
- Politics
- The Sun
Trump names final deadline before launching attack on Iran but Israel says it ‘won't wait' for US to hit nuclear plant
DONALD Trump has given Ayatollah Ali Khamenei a final two-week deadline to strike a nuclear deal or face 'grave consequences' from US strikes. The president is said to have privately approved plans for bombing Iran's key nuclear site, but was waiting for Tehran to come back to the negotiating table. yesterday. Trump said he "may" join Israeli strikes against Iran and its nuclear programme, but added: "I may not do it. I mean, nobody knows what I'm going to do." But the White House said today that the president will decide on whether the US will get involved in the Israel-Iran conflict in the "next two weeks". Citing a message from Trump, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said: 'Based on the fact that there's a substantial chance of negotiations that may or may not take place with Iran in the near future, I will make my decision whether or not to go within the next two weeks.' She reiterated claims that Iran is just "weeks away" from producing a nuclear weapon. She added: "Iran has all that it needs to achieve a nuclear weapon. "All they need is a decision from the supreme leader to do that, and it would take a couple of weeks to complete the production of that weapon." Ms Leavitt said Trump wants to deal with things through diplomacy, but is 'unafraid' to take military action if necessary. She added: 'Nobody should be surprised by the President's position that Iran absolutely cannot obtain a nuclear weapon. He's been unequivocally clear about this for decades." However, Israel will not wait long for Trump's decision to strike Iran and could attack the Fordow Nuclear Plant itself, the country's Channel 12 media reports. It said that if Trump does not intervene, Israel will take the initiative to attack the enrichment facility, which is at the heart of Tehran's nuclear program. A daring special forces raid to obliterate the site is reportedly being considered Te; Aviv. But risks are huge and would be a challenge for even the Israel Defence Forces' battle-hardened elite troops. A ground attack on Fordow would be on a scale never before attempted and involve flying or parachuting in scores of troops and sabotage specialists. Israeli special forces conducted a similar raid last September when they destroyed an underground missile factory in Syria in two hours by planting and detonating explosives. Israel said its airstrikes on Iran will not stop until it destroys the regime's capability of enriching uranium to weapons-grade and making a nuclear weapon. If given the go-ahead by Trump, the US would join Israel in pounding Iran's nuke sites, which Tehran has warned would spark "all-out war". Meanwhile, Defence Minister Israel Katz branded Ayatollah Ali Khamenei the "modern Hitler" who "should not continue to exist" while visiting the site of a missile strike near Tel Aviv.
Associated Press
16 hours ago
- Politics
- Associated Press
Europe and Iran will try diplomacy as US weighs joining fight with Israel
VIENNA, Austria (AP) — Iran's foreign minister will meet in Geneva on Friday with counterparts from Germany, France and the United Kingdom, Iranian state media and European diplomats said, as Israeli airstrikes target his country's nuclear and military sites and Iran fires back. Europe's push for diplomacy is in sharp contrast to messages from Washington, with U.S. President Donald Trump openly weighing bombing Iran and calling for the unconditional surrender of the Iranian leadership. Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi will travel to Geneva for the meetings Friday, the state-run IRNA news agency reported. European diplomats, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the confidential talks, confirmed the meetings. 'All sides must show restraint, refrain from taking steps which lead to further escalation in the region, and return to diplomacy,' read a joint statement issued Wednesday by France, Germany, the U.K. and the EU. The three European countries, commonly referred to as the E3, played an important role in the negotiations over the original 2015 nuclear deal with Iran. But they have repeatedly threatened to reinstate sanctions that were lifted under the deal if Iran does not improve its cooperation with the U.N. nuclear watchdog. The meeting in Geneva could also provide the three European nations with a unique opportunity to reach out to Iran in what is going to be the first face-to-face meeting between Western officials and Tehran since the start of the conflict a week ago. Lammy is flying to Washington on Thursday to meet U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The U.S. may want to use the U.K.-controlled base on Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean in a potential strike on Iran's underground nuclear facility at Fordo but is not believed to have requested to do so yet. 'The EU will continue to contribute to all diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions and to find a lasting solution to the Iranian nuclear issue, which can only be through a negotiated deal,' said Anouar El Anouni, a spokesperson for the European Commission. 'This is why, an intense outreach activity involving all relevant sides is currently underway to preserve room for diplomacy and create the conditions for a negotiated solution to the Iranian nuclear issue.' Germany says there must be movement from Iran Germany's foreign minister has underlined European countries' willingness to talk to Iran about a solution to its nuclear program, but says there needs to be movement from Tehran. Johann Wadephul said Wednesday that the three European countries, which were part of Iran's 2015 nuclear agreement, 'still stand ready to negotiate on a solution.' But he added: 'Iran must now move urgently. Iran must take confidence-building and verifiable measures – for example, in that the leadership in Tehran makes it credible that it is not striving for a nuclear weapon.' French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said Thursday that France and Europeans partners are ready to 'resume negotiations' with Iran. Barrot did not confirm the Geneva meeting. Iranian authorities' message was 'relatively clear: there is a willingness to resume talks, including with the United States, provided that a ceasefire can be reached,' Barrot said in a news conference in Paris. 'On our side, there is a willingness to resume negotiations, provided that these negotiations can lead to lasting, substantial steps backward by Iran regarding its nuclear program, its ballistic program and its activities to destabilize the region,' Barrot said. No US delegates at the Geneva talks on Friday Trump has given increasingly pointed warnings about the U.S. joining Israel in striking at Tehran's nuclear program even as Iran's leader warned anew that the United States would be greeted with stiff retaliation if it attacks. A U.S. official said Wednesday there no plans for U.S. involvement in nuclear talks set between senior European diplomats and Iran in Geneva, although that could change. The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss private diplomatic communications, also noted that the Europeans have been wanting to play a role in the negotiations for months but have been held back by the U.S. That position, the official said, may be changing as the hostilities intensify. Israel asserts it launched its airstrike campaign last week to stop Iran from getting closer to being able to build a nuclear weapon. It came as Iran and the United States had been negotiating over the possibility of a new diplomatic deal over Tehran's program, though Trump has said Israel's campaign came after a 60-day window he set for the talks. Iran's supreme leader rejectedU.S. calls for surrender in the face of more Israeli strikes Wednesday and warned that any military involvement by the Americans would cause 'irreparable damage to them.' Iran long has insisted its nuclear program was peaceful, though it was the only non-nuclear-armed state to enrich uranium up to 60%, a short, technical step away from weapons-grade levels of 90%. The International Atomic Energy Agency, the United Nations' nuclear watchdog, was still conducting inspections, though limited, in the country. U.S. intelligence agencies as well have said they did not believe Iran was actively pursuing the bomb. ___ McNeil contributed from Barcelona. Associated Press writets Jill Lawless in London, Sylvie Corbet in Paris, Matt Lee in Washington and Geir Moulson in Berlin contributed to this report.
ArabGT
a day ago
- Business
- ArabGT
How Regional Conflicts Are Reshaping Global Oil Prices
As tensions escalate between two regional powers in the Middle East, energy security returns to the forefront, with growing concerns over the direct impact on global oil supply stability. The conflict between Iran and the occupying state has moved beyond mere military posturing, evolving into an international state of watchfulness amid rising fears of a shock to global markets. In this context, BMI – a division of Fitch Solutions – offers a deep analysis of the oil price outlook, based on daily-updated data and long-term models tracking geopolitical and economic variables influencing the market. The company's latest report is considered one of the most comprehensive assessments of how this conflict could shape the global energy landscape, especially through a set of divergent scenarios for oil price trajectories. Possible Scenarios and Oil Prices BMI outlines five scenarios in which the price of Brent crude could range between $60 and $150 per barrel, depending on the severity of the escalation: Scenario 1 – Limited Retaliation with Diplomatic Openings: A limited Iranian response combined with openness to a U.S.-brokered nuclear deal could bring prices down to $60–65 per barrel. Scenario 2 – Nuclear Program Stalls without Agreement: A weakened Iranian nuclear program without a new deal would likely keep prices between $60–70 per barrel. Scenario 3 – Controlled Escalation Followed by De-escalation: A cycle of mutual strikes with Israel followed by gradual de-escalation would maintain prices in the range of $60–80 per barrel. Scenario 4 – Military Confrontation Involving the U.S.: Escalation against Israel that draws in the United States militarily could drive prices up to $75–100 per barrel. Scenario 5 – Full-scale Conflict and Hormuz Disruption: A direct and extensive clash between Iran and the U.S., particularly involving the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, may push prices to $100–150 per barrel. Estimates suggest that an open conflict could trigger significant economic disruptions, including a slowdown in global growth and a surge in inflation. Conversely, a partial de-escalation could help stabilize prices without major shocks. Despite the various scenarios, BMI leans toward a forecast of limited, non-expansive hostilities, allowing for greater international flexibility in managing the crisis and giving involved parties space to reassess their strategic decisions before crossing into broader conflict. The report also points to obstacles facing a strong Iranian response, largely due to military and political constraints. Additionally, regional players like Hezbollah and the Houthis are not expected to play a significant role at this stage, reducing the likelihood of a wider escalation. On the diplomatic front, there remains a possibility that Iran could be compelled to return to nuclear negotiations, which could lead to a lift in sanctions and an increase in its oil exports. However, BMI views this scenario as unlikely in the near term due to internal political pressures that would make such a concession difficult for Tehran. Overall, oil prices and energy markets remain vulnerable to volatility amid a highly unstable political environment, with oil acting as a sensitive barometer reflecting every field development or diplomatic signal. As investors continue to monitor the situation closely, the future of oil prices hinges on the next move in the conflict.
CNN
2 days ago
- Business
- CNN
Analysis: Tracking Trump's mixed messages on Iran
The United States is closer to a potential major military confrontation than we have ever have been in the Trump era. But discerning where President Donald Trump's head is at is proving a very difficult exercise. Since Israel launched attacks on Iran on Friday, Trump has offered a series of mixed messages about what he wants from Iran and just how involved the United States is or will be. This is a familiar story with Trump, who often vacillates between positions even in fraught circumstances. (In the last week alone, Trump reversed a policy on immigration raids targeting undocumented workers in the hospitality and farm industries, before reversing it again on Monday.) And there can be strategic value in being unpredictable. But the ever-shifting commentary from the president also means even our adversaries and allies might not know precisely how to deal with and placate him. And Americans concerned about getting involved in another Middle Eastern war won't have a clear sense of whether that's about to happen. Let's run through some of the big mixed messages. Trump's big initiative with Iran has been trying to craft some kind of nuclear deal. Trump had pushed this for weeks – even suggesting at various points that such a deal was close – and kept talking about it even after Israel struck Iran last week. But he's quickly seemed to move away from that emphasis. On June 12, Trump said, 'We've had very good discussions with Iran.' On June 15, Trump said Iran would 'like to make a deal. They're talking. They continue to talk.' He even said there was 'no deadline' on the talks. On June 16, while at the G7 summit in Canada, Trump assured that Iran 'basically is at the negotiating table. They want to make a deal. And as soon as I leave here we're going to be doing something.' But just a day after those comments and two days after saying there was no deadline, Trump quickly shifted. Early Tuesday morning, he suggested his appetite for negotiating has waned. 'They should have done the deal,' Trump said on Air Force One on his way back from Canada. 'I told them, 'Do the deal.' So I don't know. I'm not too much in the mood to negotiate.' On June 15, Trump expressed optimism about peace. 'Likewise, we will have PEACE, soon, between Israel and Iran!' Trump posted on Truth Social. 'Many calls and meetings now taking place.' By June 16, CNN reported Trump told his counterparts at the G7 meeting in Canada that ceasefire discussions were underway and that he wanted US officials to meet with their Iranian counterparts. But by Tuesday morning, Trump suggested peace talks were not a priority. 'I have not reached out to Iran for 'Peace Talks' in any way, shape, or form,' he posted on Truth Social. Trump also disputed France President Emmanuel Macron's comments that the US president was trying to negotiate a ceasefire. 'He has no idea why I am now on my way to Washington, but it certainly has nothing to do with a Cease Fire,' Trump posted. By early Tuesday, Trump also suggested he wants a 'complete give-up' by Iran. He said he wants 'an end, a real end, not a ceasefire. An end. Or giving up entirely. That's OK, too.' Trump later Tuesday sent his clearest signal that his goals have moved away from any deals, posting two words on Truth Social in all caps: 'UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER.' Trump has not only started downplaying the potential for a peace or a nuclear deal, but he also has increasingly flirted with the idea of more direct US involvement. CNN reported Tuesday afternoon that Trump is growing increasingly warm to using US military assets to strike Iranian nuclear facilities and is souring on a diplomatic solution to end the conflict. Initially, Trump spoke mostly about US involvement if Iran struck American targets, but in recent days he's left open the possibility that it could be necessary to prevent Iran from getting a nuclear weapon and upped the saber-rattling. On June 15, he said, 'It's possible we could get involved. But we are not at this moment involved.' On June 16, he declined to address a possible US role in Israel's strikes, saying, 'I don't want to talk about that.' By Tuesday, Trump suggested the US could get involved if that's what it took. 'Well I hope their program's going to be wiped out long before that,' Trump said when asked about a US military role. 'But they're not going to have a nuclear weapon.' By late Tuesday morning, Vice President JD Vance proactively floated the possibility. He said Trump had shown 'remarkable restraint' on using the US military to this point. But then he added: 'He may decide he needs to take further action to end Iranian enrichment. That decision ultimately belongs to the president.' Trump soon ratcheted up his rhetoric even more, posting on Truth Social, 'We now have complete and total control of the skies over Iran.' He added that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is an 'easy target,' and said, 'We are not going to take him out (kill!), at least not for now.' Depending upon your interpretation, the administration has either waffled or walked a very fine line on its role in the initial Israeli strikes against Iran. On June 12, Trump cautioned Israel against the strikes. 'I don't want them going in because I think I would blow it,' Trump said, referring to US prospects of cutting a nuclear deal with Iran. The president added that it 'might help it actually, but it also could blow it.' After Israel nonetheless struck Iran early June 13 local time, Secretary of State Marco Rubio sought to distance the administration from the strikes. 'Tonight, Israel took unilateral action against Iran. We are not involved in strikes against Iran,' Rubio said in a statement Thursday evening in the US. Prev Next But later on Friday, Trump seemed to praise the strikes in comments to CNN's Dana Bash, calling it 'a very successful attack.' Trump went to indicate he was well aware of Israel's plans, even citing in a Truth Social post 'the next already planned attacks,' which would be 'even more brutal.' The administration's coordination with Israel became even clearer on June 15, when CNN reported that the two sides had discussed an Israeli plan to kill Khamenei, which Trump opposed and wasn't launched. CNN also reported that the US has offered Israel defensive support in the case of Iranian retaliation. The administration's line seems to be that because the US hasn't militarily participated in the strikes on Iran, it's not really involved. But Trump has been happy to play up US involvement when it serves his purposes. His most recent social media posts, for instance, refer to 'we' in ways that suggest the United States and Israel are working together.
