This is Beirut

Divided Views on Iran Within Trump’s Administration: Compromise vs. Hardline

Amal Chmouny, 19/04 09:00 - Reading : 4 minute(s)

The United States is preparing to engage in a new round of negotiations with Iran regarding its nuclear program, adopting a more rigorous approach. The US now demands the complete elimination of uranium enrichment beyond what is necessary for electricity generation, as well as verification of Iran's missile capabilities. This complicates ...

Iran FM Says has 'Serious Doubts' Over US Intentions Ahead of Talks

This is Beirut, 18/04 15:45 - Reading : 2 minute(s)

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Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Friday cast doubt over the intentions of the United States, a day before a second round of nuclear talks with Washington. "Although we have serious doubts about the intentions and motivations of the American side, in any case we will participate in tomorrow's negotiations," Araghchi said ...

Rubio Says US to Decide Within Days if Ukraine Ceasefire 'Doable', Calls on Europe to Act over Iran’s Nuclear program

This is Beirut, 18/04 11:40 - Reading : 3 minute(s)

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US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Friday said Washington needed to decide soon if an Ukraine truce was feasible, as he left Paris following meetings with European officials. He also said that European countries needed to decide whether to reimpose sanctions on Iran as Tehran was not complying with a nuclear deal. "We need to figure out here ...

Saudi Defense Minister Meets Iranian Officials in Tehran

This Is Beirut, 17/04 20:55 - Reading : less than a minute

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Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman arrived in Tehran on Thursday to meet Iranian officials. The visit comes ahead of weekend talks between Iran and the United States on Iran's nuclear program. He delivered a message from Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz to Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iranian state media reported, ...

Netanyahu Vows to Prevent Iran From Acquiring Nuclear Weapons

This is Beirut, 17/04 19:00 - Reading : 2 minute(s)

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insisted on Thursday that Israel would not allow Iran to acquire nuclear weapons, even as US President Donald Trump attempts to negotiate a new nuclear deal with Tehran. Netanyahu's remarks were his first on the issue since US-Iran talks began earlier this month, and followed a report that former ...

Trump’s Disruptions: The End of the Rule-Based Order

Salam El Zaatari, 17/04 09:30 - Reading : 5 minute(s)

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At first glance, Trump’s new foreign policy approach may seem impulsive, erratic or even personal. But beneath the surface lies a disruptive yet coherent strategic vision. Trump’s foreign policy is rooted in a distinctly realist worldview—one that prizes power and national interest above moralistic crusades or ideological commitments. In ...

UN Watchdog Chief Says Iran 'Not Far' From Nuclear Bomb

This is Beirut, 17/04 09:05 - Reading : 4 minute(s)

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The UN nuclear watchdog's chief Rafael Grossi warned that Iran was "not far" from possessing a nuclear bomb, shortly before he arrived in Tehran on Wednesday for talks. Western countries including the United States have long accused Iran of seeking to acquire nuclear weapons -- an allegation Tehran has consistently denied, insisting that its ...

Iran Confirms Next Round of US Talks to Be in Italy not Oman

This is Beirut, 16/04 17:15 - Reading : 2 minute(s)

Iran IAEA Iran Nuclear Program Rafael Grossi

The next round of nuclear talks between Iran and the United States will be held on Saturday in Italy and not Oman, Iranian state media reported. "The second round of Iran-US nuclear talks will be held next Saturday in Rome... and the Omani foreign ministry will be hosting the talks," Iran's state TV said. European officials had earlier said the ...

Iran FM Says Uranium Enrichment 'Non-Negotiable' After Trump Envoy Urged Halt

This is Beirut, 16/04 13:20 - Reading : 2 minute(s)

Iran Nuclear Negotiations USA

Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Wednesday that Iran's enrichment of uranium as part of its nuclear programme was "non-negotiable" after US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff called for a halt. "Iran's enrichment is a real, accepted matter. We are ready to build confidence in response to possible concerns, but the issue of enrichment is ...

Iraqi Markets a Haven for Pedlars Escaping Iran's Economic Woes

This is Beirut, 16/04 09:50 - Reading : 4 minute(s)

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Every Friday, Alawi crosses the border from Iran into Iraq to sell his produce in the markets of Basra, which serve as a haven for Iranians grappling with economic sanctions. He is just one of many Iranian pedlars who endure the arduous journey into southern Iraq through the Chalamja border crossing. They bring essential goods such as chicken, ...

From Taif to Oman: The Long Road to State Sovereignty in Lebanon

Philippe Abi-Akl, 15/04 08:30 - Reading : 5 minute(s)

Hezbollah USA Donald Trump Iran negotiations Oman

For the past 34 years, Hezbollah’s weapons have remained a central point of contention both domestically and internationally. On September 30, 1989, Lebanon’s political factions convened in Taif, Saudi Arabia, and signed the National Accord, known as the Taif agreement, to end the devastating 15-year civil war. One of the key provisions ...

UK Sanctions Iran-Backed 'Criminal Network' and Its Leader

This is Beirut, 14/04 20:30 - Reading : 1 minute(s)

United Kingdom Iran Sanctions David Lammy

The United Kingdom on Monday accused Iran of helping criminal gangs to stage attacks in Europe as it sanctioned the Swedish-based Foxtrot criminal network and its leader, Rawa Majid. The sanctions were ordered over the network's role in attacks across Europe, the Foreign Office said, and would include travel bans and asset freezes. "Today, the ...

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