Monitor the latest developments in U.S.-Iran negotiations.
On the 25th, Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Baghaei stated that talks between Iran and the United States have made some progress, but whether an agreement can be reached soon 'depends on the U.S.' He reiterated that any hostile action against Iran would be met with a response.
Baghaei made these remarks during a press conference in Tehran on the same day. He said that Iran and the U.S. are still exchanging information through Pakistan-mediated channels. The recently disclosed progress is the result of weeks of indirect negotiations, during which both sides have neared consensus on many issues. However, the U.S. position remains 'contradictory and constantly shifting,' creating difficulties for the negotiation process.
Baghaei indicated that the current focus of all parties remains on advancing the text of a memorandum of understanding. He emphasized that the Lebanon issue will be part of the potential understanding.
On the 25th, U.S. President Trump posted on social media that negotiations with Iran were progressing well.
In his post, Trump wrote: 'Negotiations with Iran are going very well!' He added that if no agreement is reached, 'then we go back to the front lines, back to active hostilities—but on a scale larger than ever before.'
Trump also called on Middle Eastern countries to immediately sign the Abraham Accords to normalize relations with Israel, stating that if the U.S. and Iran reach an agreement, Iran should also join the Abraham Accords.
Trump said that during calls over the weekend with leaders of Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Turkey, Egypt, Jordan, Bahrain, and the Chief of Army Staff of Pakistan, he clearly stated, 'After the United States has made enormous efforts to piece together this extremely complex puzzle, all these countries must at least simultaneously sign the Abraham Accords'—meaning bilateral normalization with Israel. Among the countries listed, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Pakistan have not yet established diplomatic relations with Israel. Trump added, 'Perhaps one or two countries have valid reasons not to do so, and that’s acceptable, but most should be ready.' He claimed he 'insisted that all countries immediately sign the Abraham Accords,' adding, 'It should start with Saudi Arabia and Qatar signing immediately, followed by all others.'
Qatar confirms that a senior Iranian delegation is holding talks in Doha.
On the 25th, a Qatari Foreign Ministry official stated that a senior Iranian delegation was in Doha, the capital of Qatar, for talks. The delegation includes Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. The talks aim to discuss the possibility of reaching an agreement between the U.S. and Iran to end hostilities.
The unnamed official said the talks would focus on issues including the Strait of Hormuz, Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium, and Iran’s frozen assets overseas. The Governor of the Central Bank of Iran is part of the delegation and will handle discussions on financial matters potentially included in a final agreement.
Iran stated it shot down an enemy drone using a new air defense method.
Additionally, according to Iran's Mehr News Agency on the 25th, Iranian air defense forces shot down an enemy drone over the Persian Gulf that day using a new air defense method.
The report stated that Iran employed the 'Arash Archer' defense system equipped with a new platform to successfully intercept the target over the Persian Gulf. Iranian sources noted that the system possesses a certain degree of stealth capability, and details regarding its technology and operational deployment have not yet been disclosed.
The report indicated that this operation demonstrates Iran’s capability to counter 'stealth drones' entering Persian Gulf airspace.
Earlier that day, Mehr News Agency reported that air defense sirens were heard in the Qeshm Island area, with local residents reporting audible sounds.
Compiled from: Xinhua News Agency, CCTV News, CCTV International
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