US officials, Trump give conflicting accounts on easing Iran sanctions
A US official told CNN and Al Jazeera that President Trump is ready to ease sanctions on Iran and unfreeze its assets in exchange for concrete nuclear progress, but Trump himself denied Monday making any such offer, calling an Axios report on the matter a hoax. Qatari mediators are meanwhile weighing an Iranian proposal linking sanctions relief to reopening the Strait of Hormuz and resuming talks, as Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi awaits a final US response on Tuesday.
Why it matters The gap between US officials' statements and Trump's denial underscores deep uncertainty over the nuclear talks' direction, a matter of direct concern to Gulf states given the link between the file and Strait of Hormuz security and global energy prices.
Trump says US held mediator talks to end war with Iran, vows swift victory
US President Donald Trump said American officials held talks on Monday with mediators working to end the war between Washington and Tehran. He added that the United States would achieve victory in the conflict "very soon," without providing further details on the negotiations or the mediators involved.
UAE's Mohamed bin Zayed hosts Netanyahu in undisclosed visit to Abu Dhabi
UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan received Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Abu Dhabi on Sunday, according to the UAE state news agency WAM, with talks focused on advancing bilateral ties. Other outlets reported the visit was undisclosed in advance and touched on several regional issues.
