Key development: Trump says a peace deal with Iran is “largely negotiated” and could reopen the Strait of Hormuz within weeks.
Diplomacy
(Update) Trump announced a memorandum of understanding with Iran is “largely negotiated” and would reopen the Strait of Hormuz. After three months of war, this is the first concrete framework for ending the conflict. (Al Jazeera, France 24)
Context: Trump told reporters Saturday that the US and Iran have a deal that’s mostly done, with Iran’s state media saying shipping through the Strait could return to pre-war levels within weeks. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said an announcement might come later Sunday. Pakistan has been mediating the talks, and officials say the framework sets a 30-to-60-day window to negotiate final details—though nuclear issues are off the table for now. US media reports that Iran would hand over highly enriched uranium stockpiles as part of the agreement, while an Iranian source denies this claim, indicating disagreement over specifics remains.
Sources: Al Jazeera | Al Jazeera | France 24 | Euronews
(Update) The EU is moving to sanction Iranian officials over the Strait of Hormuz blockade. The European Council is expanding existing sanctions to target individuals responsible for blocking shipping. (France 24)
Context: The European Council took technical steps Friday to extend the scope of sanctions beyond just economic measures, deeming the blockade “contrary to international law.” They’re specifically going after individuals responsible for blocking shipping through the strait. This comes as the EU has been hit hard economically by the blockade cutting off a major oil transit route.
Sources: France 24
Israel Policy
France banned Israeli minister Itamar Ben-Gvir from the country after his police detained Gaza flotilla activists. France called his behavior “unspeakable.” (France 24) [UNCONFIRMED]
Context: Ben-Gvir is Israel’s far-right national security minister, and his police force detained people involved in a flotilla trying to reach Gaza. France announced the travel ban Saturday, citing his “unspeakable” behavior toward the activists, but didn’t elaborate on the specific incident that triggered it.
Sources: France 24
What to watch: Whether Rubio actually makes that announcement Sunday, and whether Iran and the US can agree on what’s actually in this deal.