Iranian foreign minister says Tehran will answer a US proposal within days as indirect talks continue through mediators, citing the seven-day plan. Pentagon reportedly ordered to draft plans for renewed war.
Tehran's police chief announces immediate closure and sealing of any cafe that plays live dance music, offers hookahs or allows expressions of support for anti-regime protests. Several businesses were already shut after young women violated Iran's compulsory hijab laws.
Beijing believes Iranian oil exports will not resume anytime soon and is beginning to adjust, including reducing goods shipments and halting refined fuel exports. In Iran, the dollar has crossed 2.7 million rials, inflation is soaring and oil revenues have nearly disappeared. Economist Prof. Shlomo Maoz estimates that if the blockade continues, the regime could struggle to function economically and provide civilian services by June 2027.
Axios reports Qatari mediators have run into both sides' refusal to compromise on their demands. Washington wants Iranian nuclear concessions, while Tehran insists on a return to the June memorandum of understanding.
As the US president prepares grand welcome for Chinese leader Xi Jinping's 3-day tour – planning to personally greet him on the tarmac at Joint Base Andrews – Fox News says the "top ask" is that China cease providing information that allows Iran to target America's interests and allies. China may demand Taiwan concessions.
Airlines cancel global routes following strict American economic measures as Beijing continues to defy US isolation efforts just hours before Xi-Trump meeting. China routes appear to be unaffected as Mahan Air jet traveling from the Iranian capital successfully touches down in the Chinese city of Guangzhou.
A three-hour meeting was held between Trump administration officials, including Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, and a delegation from Tehran on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York. US sources said the meeting had been planned in advance and focused on the conditions for renewing negotiations, foremost among them reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
Senior Iranian official said Tehran is prepared to reopen the critical shipping route if Washington eases military pressure and lifts blockade on Iranian ports. The proposal was conveyed to the US through mediators, with Tehran looking to use the UN General Assembly to revive contacts. Washington is reviewing the offer.
Gulf sources say agreement was reached at meeting between CENTCOM commander and Mohammed bin Salman following closure of Bab al-Mandeb Strait. With the US Navy currently allowing passage of only about 10 tankers a day, Washington is prepared to use force against Iran to prevent further surge in oil prices.
Satellite imagery released late Sunday revealed a heavily charred pumping station along the 745-mile East-West pipeline. The world's leading petroleum exporter is already struggling to maintain output levels during a period of intense global inflation. Any additional reduction in Saudi oil flow will severely aggravate the international supply deficit that led to fuel price surging.
