Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has stated that there is no room for speculation until a clear outcome is reached in ongoing talks with the United States. Speaking to IRNA, Araghchi emphasized that dialogue and exchange of messages continue despite a deadlock, urging caution against unconfirmed reports. He said, "It is not possible to judge until a clear conclusion is reached; everything that is being said now is speculation and should not be taken seriously until it is certain."
Iran Hardens Stance on Nuclear Programme and Strait of Hormuz
Iran's chief negotiator and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf declared that Tehran will not approve any agreement unless Iranian rights are fully protected. He stressed that tangible achievements are needed rather than reliance on US promises. Reports indicate that US President Donald Trump has sought tougher terms in a draft deal, including conditions on Iran's nuclear commitments and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. However, Iran maintains that its nuclear infrastructure is not under discussion in current talks.
Netanyahu Calls Capture of Beaufort a Dramatic Shift
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the capture of the medieval Beaufort Castle in Lebanon as a dramatic shift in Israel's offensive against Hezbollah. In a video statement, Netanyahu said, "Now my directive is to deepen and expand our hold in places that were under Hezbollah's control." Hezbollah lawmaker Hassan Fadlallah criticized the move, calling Beaufort a national archaeological site and not a military site. Hezbollah claimed it targeted Israeli forces near Beaufort and military positions in northern Israel. The UN Security Council is set to hold an emergency meeting on Monday over Israel's expanding offensive.
Conflict Drives Fertilizer Prices Up, Farmers Seek Alternatives
The Iran conflict has disrupted global supply chains, causing fertilizer prices to surge by about 40% in Senegal since the war began on February 28. Farmer Abou Sow has shifted to organic compost and manure, encouraging others to do the same. "We can't afford to wait for a ceasefire. It's risky to depend on chemical fertilizers," he said. The conflict has affected natural gas supplies, a key ingredient in fertilizer production, and disrupted shipping routes via the Strait of Hormuz.
Hezbollah Ceasefire Guarantee Questioned
Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri said he can guarantee a full ceasefire by Hezbollah but questioned whether Israel would halt its operations. He asked who would ensure Israel ends attacks by land, sea, and air, as well as the destruction of villages and homes. Berri is among Lebanon's most influential Shia political leaders.
Tensions remain high across the Middle East as negotiations between Iran and the United States face fresh uncertainty. Tehran insists no agreement will be accepted unless Iranian rights are guaranteed. The wider impact of the conflict is being felt far beyond the region, with rising costs forcing farmers to turn to alternatives such as compost and manure.
