Trump calls off Iran strikes, says deal is close Iran did not immediately respond to his claim that its leadership had approved a deal. By Elizabeth Hagedorn In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights
US issues more Iran sanctions as Trump says strikes will resume The sanctions are the latest to target Iran's weapons procurement networks. By Elizabeth Hagedorn In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights
Suez Canal traffic soars as Hormuz disruptions reroute energy trade The canal generated $419 million in revenue in April, up 27% year over year. Egypt
US sanctions network smuggling Iranian LPG as talks falter The sanctions come as President Donald Trump has offered mixed signals on prospects for a deal. United States
Top Democrats urge Biden to lift sanctions on Tehran in good faith Prominent Democratic National Committee members urged President Joe Biden to relieve sanctions on Iran as the window closes for a return to the nuclear deal. Iran
Iran's Zarif denies bid for presidency In a meeting with a powerful parliamentary commission on the recently leaked audiotape of himself, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said he would not run for president. Iran
Saudi Arabia confirms talks with Iran, plays down breakthrough Saudi Arabia's Foreign Ministry says it is premature "to reach any definitive conclusions" about the talks. Iran
House Republicans call for review of John Kerry's security clearance Republicans on the House Oversight Committee responded to a report that Kerry provided Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif information on Israel's operations in Syria, but Kerry has denied this ever happened. United States
Israel not reassured by Biden’s meeting with Mossad chief President Joe Biden told Mossad chief Yossi Cohen in the White House that the United States will not abandon Israel on Iran. Israel
Mossad chief conveys Israeli concerns about Iran to Biden Reports say that President Joe Biden joined unexpectedly on Friday a meeting at the White House between Mossad Chief Yossi Cohen and US national security adviser Jake Sullivan. Israel
Iran downplays state media report on US prisoner swap The US government has also denied that it reached a deal to swap prisoners with Iran. Iran
Blinken meets Israel’s Mossad chief to talk Iran The meeting follows talks earlier this week involving Israeli officials and US national security adviser Jake Sullivan. Israel
Intel: US, Israel to cooperate against Iran’s missiles and drones Biden White House avoids row with Israel over nuclear negotiations with Iran, offers to help counter Tehran's ballistic and cruise missiles. Washington Pulse
Saudi Arabia seeks 'good' relationship with Iran, says crown prince Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman also said Saudi Arabia is "more than 90% in agreement with" the administration of President Joe Biden. Saudi Arabia
Kerry denies he spoke with Iranian foreign minister about Israeli airstrikes in Syria Some Republicans are calling for an inquiry into whether former US Secretary of State and current presidential climate envoy John Kerry shared potentially sensitive information with Iran, but Kerry denies such a conversation ever took place. By AL-MONITOR Staff
Zarif faces fury from Iranian hard-liners after leaked tape Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has called for an investigation into the leak of a tape meant for posterity. Iran
