Here's the latest
• Lebanon ceasefire: Israel and Hezbollah have agreed to renew a ceasefire, sources told CNN, after fighting between the Israeli military and the Iran-backed militant group jeopardized US-Iran negotiations.
• Talks postponed: The first round of technical talks between Washington and Tehran was delayed Friday as Iran sought guarantees that hostilities in Lebanon would end. The clock is ticking on a 60-day period to reach a lasting peace deal.
• Political pressure: Iranian hardliners have harshly criticized Tehran’s tentative agreement with the US, threatening to spoil the regime’s victory lap. Meanwhile, in Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces pressure from far-right politicians who say he hasn’t gone far enough in Lebanon.
• Strait of Hormuz: A total of 25 commercial ships crossed through the key waterway on Thursday — the most since April. Iran all but closed the strait during the war.
Israeli troops will continue operating in south Lebanon, IDF spokesman says
Israel will continue operating in southern Lebanon after four Israeli soldiers were killed in a Hezbollah attack, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesperson Effie Defrin said on Friday.
Defrin accused Hezbollah of launching hundreds of explosive drones and rockets at Israeli civilians and soldiers.
The Lebanese health ministry reported that the Israeli military killed at least 47 people in strikes across southern Lebanon on Friday.
Amid the crossfire, Israel and Lebanon agreed to renew a ceasefire, according to multiple sources familiar with the situation.
“We will continue to remove immediate threats, respond to Hezbollah’s violations, and do whatever is necessary to protect our civilians,” Defrin said, “Our mission remains the same: to ensure that Hezbollah cannot rebuild itself and pose a threat to our civilians.”
Lebanon suffers second deadliest day since war began as Israeli attacks kill 47
The Israeli military killed at least 47 people in Lebanon on Friday, according to the Lebanese health ministry, making it the second deadliest day since hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah flared in early March.
The ministry said two children were among the victims from strikes across a swath of southern Lebanon, which came after the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah killed four Israeli soldiers overnight.
Also on Friday, multiple sources told CNN Israel and Hezbollah had resolved a ceasefire deal that was expected to begin at 4 p.m. local time (9 a.m. ET).
It’s not the first time Israeli forces have released their most lethal salvos as diplomats announced fresh ceasefire deals in Lebanon, highlighting the tenuous nature of such agreements.
The single deadliest day of the conflict in Lebanon occurred on April 17, when at least 98 people were killed as Washington ordered a ceasefire to come into effect between Israel and Lebanon. Both parties accused each other of violating the terms of the truce – which Hezbollah was not party to.
Human Rights Watch has warned that Israel’s “killing of civilians” and “displacement of hundreds of thousands” of people have “continued unabated despite the declaration of a ceasefire.”
Israel and Hezbollah have agreed to renew ceasefire, sources say
Israel and Hezbollah have agreed to renew a ceasefire, according to multiple sources familiar with the situation.
The ceasefire was expected to start at 4 p.m. local time (9 a.m. ET) and was mediated by the US and Qatar, according to one person familiar. Another diplomatic source with knowledge of the situation said the deal was mediated by Qatar, the US and Iran.
A spokesperson for the Israel Defense Forces refused to acknowledge a ceasefire in a briefing on Friday afternoon.
“We continue to act according to the political directives in place. Unless those directives change, we will continue operating accordingly,” the spokesperson said.
Remember: Israeli forces released a fresh wave of strikes in Lebanon on Friday — killing at least 21 people — after Hezbollah killed four soldiers in the country’s south.
Iran swiftly condemned Israel’s bombing and warned that any agreement with the US is contingent upon a ceasefire in Lebanon, citing the first clause of an initial framework signed by the two parties.
US Vice President JD Vance was initially set to travel to Switzerland for a first round of technical talks with Tehran on Friday, but the negotiations were postponed as Iran sought guarantees that hostilities in Lebanon would end. Vance has criticized Israel’s offensive as having jeopardized the fraught negotiations.
Clock ticks on final US-Iran agreement as talks are delayed. Here's what to know
The clock is ticking for the United States and Iran to finalize a peace deal within 60 days, but technical negotiations have not begun Friday in Switzerland as initially planned.
Before entering talks, Iranian officials said they needed guarantees that Israel would stop its attacks in Lebanon, which continued overnight even as the memorandum of understanding between the US and Iran stipulates an end to “military operations on all fronts.”
Israel and Hezbollah have since agreed to renew a ceasefire, according to multiple sources familiar with the situation.
If you’re just joining us, here’s what to know today:
- Ceasefire: The renewed truce between Israel and Hezbollah was expected to take effect starting at 4 p.m. local time (9 a.m. ET), according to multiple sources familiar with the situation.
- Postponed talks: It comes after US Vice President JD Vance canceled his trip to Switzerland, where more negotiations with Iran were planned this weekend. Seeking to keep the delicate diplomatic process on track, Washington had told Tehran that Israel agreed not to further escalate attacks against Hezbollah, a source told CNN. Deep mistrust hangs over the ceasefire agreement.
- Trading fire in Lebanon: The Israeli military killed at least 47 people in strikes across southern Lebanon on Friday, according to the Lebanese health ministry, making it the second deadliest day since hostilities flared in March. The strikes came after four Israeli soldiers were killed in the south when a Hezbollah explosive hit a tank, the military said.
- Far-right pressure in Israel: Netanyahu is under pressure to escalate in Lebanon from hardliners in his government. Far-right Minister of National Security Itamar Ben Gvir said “all of Lebanon should burn” and called for attacks on the capital Beirut.
- Hezbollah reaction: The militant group has accused Israel of “escalating violations” of the ceasefire. In a statement, Hezbollah said it “will remain vigilant against any aggression,” accusing Israel of “committing massacres” and “destroying residential buildings.”
- Pakistan-Iran call: Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi spoke Friday with his Pakistani counterpart, Ishaq Dar, according to Pakistan’s foreign ministry. The two leaders discussed the next phase of the peace plan with the US and the latest fighting in Lebanon, a statement said.
- Strait of Hormuz: A total of 25 commercial ships crossed through the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday — the most since April, according to marine intelligence firm AXSMarine. The US-Iran agreement promised to “immediately” re-open the vital waterway. Tehran has said ships passing through the strait must register to ensure “safe passage” but will not face tolls during the 60-day period covered by the current agreement.
CNN’s Rupert Neate, Eyad Kourdi, Eugenia Yosef, Charbel Mallo and Sana Noor Haq contributed reporting to this post, which has been updated for the latest developments.
Iran's foreign minister slams Israeli minister for "Lebanon must burn" comment
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has condemned a comment by Israel’s far-right national security minister Friday that “all of Lebanon should burn,” accusing the Israeli government of wanting “permanent war.”
Itamar Ben Gvir made the comment after a Hezbollah explosive device killed four Israeli soldiers on Lebanese territory overnight.
“This is not a rant by a random genocidal lunatic. It’s a public post by the national security minister of the Israeli regime,” said Araghchi in a post on X condemning Ben Gvir.
Tensions between Israel and Hezbollah are running high after the deaths of the soldiers. That could threaten peace talks between the US and Iran that hinge on a cessation of hostilities between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah.
Iran has asked for guarantees that hostilities in Lebanon will end before it resumes talks with the US in Switzerland, a diplomat with knowledge of the matter told CNN.
Iran says ships crossing the Strait of Hormuz must register to ensure "safe passage"
Iran has warned the owners and captains of all ships intending to transit the Strait of Hormuz that they must register for — and receive — a permit and insurance before being allowed to enter the vital waterway.
Tehran’s newly-created Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA) said on Friday that all ships must comply with its terms and conditions to ensure “safe passage of commercial vessels”.
Registration and insurance will be free of charge during the 60-day period covered by the memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed by the US and Iran earlier this week. However, Iran has indicated that it may charge fees after that period.
“During the 60-day period, tariffs for security, safety, and environmental services, as well as related Iranian insurances, will not be collected from shipowners and will be borne by the government of the Islamic Republic of Iran,” it said.
US President Donald Trump insisted on Tuesday that the strait would be open “toll-free during the first 60 days and thereafter.” The White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment about Iran’s indication that it could introduce fees.
The PSGA also warned ship owners and captains that all vessels must follow a strictly designated course through the strait to avoid mines. “Failure to comply shall be the responsibility of the vessel owner,” it said.
The fresh conditions of passage came as traffic through the strait finally started to increase following months of very limited movements due to fears of attack from Iran.
A total of 25 commercial ships crossed through the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday — the most since April, according to marine intelligence firm AXSMarine.
What does the Iran agreement say about Lebanon?
Fresh fighting between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon has sparked fears that this week’s US-Iran agreement aimed at ending hostilities and reopening the Strait of Hormuz, could unravel. But why is Lebanon a key component to the peace process?
The 800-word, 14-point memorandum of understanding makes Lebanon a central part of the ceasefire agreement, despite the country having no say over its contents.
“The United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran and their allies in the current war are signing this MOU to declare the immediate and permanent termination of military operations on all fronts, including in Lebanon,” the document reads.
While the document mentions “their allies,” it does not explicitly mention Israel or Iran’s proxy militant group Hezbollah. That is important since even though the US government launched the war on Iran in tandem with Israel, Israel’s military action in Lebanon against Hezbollah has complicated efforts to reach this peace deal, so the Jewish state’s cooperation — or desire to be a spoiler — will be a key factor.
These concerns are being underscored today, as at least 21 people have been killed and dozens more wounded after a heavy night of Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon on Friday in response to an attack that killed four Israeli soldiers, the country’s health ministry said.
Also, US Vice President JD Vance said he no longer intends to travel to Switzerland for the US-Iran negotiations today, as the second round of talks are postponed. Iran has asked for guarantees that hostilities in Lebanon will end before it resumes the talks, a diplomat told CNN.
Read our full analysis of the agreement here.
Hezbollah says its fighters will “defend their land and people” against Israeli attacks
Hezbollah accused Israel of “escalating violations” of a ceasefire on Friday, as inflamed hostilities in Lebanon threaten tenuous negotiations between the US and Iran.
In a statement, the Iran-backed militant group said it “will remain vigilant against any aggression,” accusing Israel of “committing massacres” and “destroying residential buildings.”
Israel’s military launched a wave of lethal strikes across Lebanon Friday after Hezbollah killed four of its soldiers. At least 21 people were killed in those Israeli attacks, according to the Lebanese health ministry.
Israel has shown no signs of halting its attacks in Lebanon even after Tehran and Washington stipulated an “immediate and permanent termination of military operations on all fronts, including Lebanon,” in the latest iteration of a ceasefire agreement.
Fighting between Israel and Hezbollah flared in early March before Israeli and Lebanese officials announced a truce that the militant group was not party to in mid-April. However, that tenuous deal has been marred by heavy Israeli bombing and Hezbollah drone attacks in southern Lebanon and northern Israel.
US told Iran that Israel "agreed to let it be" following strikes in Lebanon, source says
The US has “relayed” to Iran that Israel will not further escalate its attacks in Lebanon as the Trump administration seeks to get high-stakes nuclear talks with Iran on track, according to a source familiar with the matter.
Asked whether the US would provide those guarantees, a source said, “Hezbollah violated the ceasefire. Israel has agreed to let it be, which was relayed to the Iranians, and it’s up to Hezbollah to stop.”
CNN has reported Israel carried out a wave of deadly strikes across Lebanon Friday in response to a Hezbollah attack that killed four soldiers in southern Lebanon – despite the US-Iran agreement declaring an end to the conflict on all fronts.
An Israeli source told CNN that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu does not plan any further retaliation against Hezbollah at this time.
Iran, meanwhile, has asked for guarantees that hostilities in Lebanon will end before planned talks in Switzerland with Vice President JD Vance and other top officials can take place. Vance’s planned Thursday departure was postponed.
It’s not clear how the Trump administration relayed the information to the Iranians or whether it will be enough to reschedule the planned technical discussions.
As hardliners push for escalation in Lebanon, Netanyahu tests Trump’s limits
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is under pressure at home to escalate in Lebanon – once again – after four Israeli soldiers were killed in a Hezbollah attack inside Lebanon overnight Friday.
But the Israeli leader, trapped between far-right politicians saying “all of Lebanon should burn” and a US president demanding an immediate end to the war, must decide how far he can go.
When Hezbollah rockets crossed into northern Israel last week, Netanyahu ordered the Israeli military to strike Beirut. And when Iran then fired ballistic missiles at Israel, President Donald Trump forced Israel to limit its response. He dismissed the Hezbollah projectiles as “very small and meaningless,” a virtually unthinkable statement from any American president… other than Trump.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said on Friday morning that it had struck 80 Hezbollah targets and killed “dozens of Hezbollah terrorists” following what it described as “repeated violations of the ceasefire.” According to the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health, at least 21 people were killed in Israeli strikes on Friday.
Notably, the IDF did not strike Beirut, which could’ve risked an immediate exchange of fire with Iran and likely angered Trump as the US is determined to push forward with the nascent agreement with Iran that also ends the Lebanon war. The US is also hosting another round of Israel-Lebanon talks next week.
But Tehran is already using the leverage it has, demanding an end to the fighting in Lebanon before it’s willing to continue talks with the US.
That pressure to stop attacks in Lebanon can come only from Trump, who has boxed Israel in several times in what he will allow Netanyahu to do. On Friday, Netanyahu vowed that “Israel will not tolerate attacks on our soldiers or on our territory, and it will exact a very heavy price from Hezbollah for such attacks.” He said the IDF would not withdraw from the territory it occupies in southern Lebanon.
The statement also seems to indicate that Israel will not go further, at least for now. Trump is very much in the driver’s seat. And Netanyahu knows it.
Netanyahu instructs military to "strike Hezbollah with force" after soldiers’ deaths
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned that Hezbollah will pay “a very heavy price” after four soldiers were killed by an explosive device overnight, as hostilities with the Lebanese militant group flared.
“Following Hezbollah’s criminal attack, which constitutes a blatant violation of the ceasefire, I instructed the IDF (Israel Defense Forces) last night to strike Hezbollah with force,” Netanyahu said in a statement on Friday.
“My directive is clear: Israel will not tolerate attacks on our soldiers or on our territory, and it will exact a very heavy price from Hezbollah for such attacks,” he added.
The four soldiers killed in southern Lebanon are the first Israeli deaths since the signing of a ceasefire deal between the US and Iran this week. Israel responded with a heavy barrage over Lebanon’s south, killing at least 21 people on Friday.
The Israeli prime minister reiterated that troops would “remain in the security zone in southern Lebanon for as long as necessary in order to protect the communities of northern Israel.”
Why is there fighting in Lebanon and does it threaten the Iran deal?
Israel on Friday carried out a wave of deadly strikes across Lebanon in response to a Hezbollah attack that killed four soldiers in Lebanon – despite the US-Iran agreement declaring an end to the conflict on all fronts.
So where does this leave the Iran deal?
“The principal spoiler of any broader understanding with Iran remains Lebanon,” wrote Danny Citrinowitz, former head of the Iran branch of Israel’s military intelligence, adding that “the central question is how far the United States is prepared to go in enforcing a ceasefire that both sides interpret differently.”
The strikes came hours after the US and Iran postponed fresh talks in Switzerland, with US Vice-President JD Vance cancelling a trip.
On Friday, a diplomat with knowledge of the matter told CNN that Iran asked for guarantees that hostilities in Lebanon will end before it resumes talks with the US.
Trump also said on social media this week that as part of the deal, “we expect a complete Ceasefire on all fronts, including Lebanon, Hezbollah, and Israel.” But Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has previously made it clear he has no plans to withdraw from southern Lebanon.
On Friday, far-right members of Netanyahu’s cabinet doubled down on the war in Lebanon after the killing of the Israeli soldiers. National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir said “all of Lebanon should burn” while Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said “it is time to speak with fire.”
Meanwhile, Vance has grown increasingly impatient with Israel, saying: “If I was in the Cabinet of the Israeli government, I might not be attacking the only powerful ally that I have anywhere left in the entire world.”
For now, Lebanon remains “the most fragile component of any prospective agreement,” between the US and Israel, Citrinowitz said.
At least 25 ships crossed the Strait of Hormuz yesterday — the most since April
A total of 25 commercial ships crossed through the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday — the most since April, according to marine intelligence firm AXSMarine.
The sharp increase in marine traffic comes after the US and Iran on Wednesday signed an agreement that promised to “immediately” re-open the vital waterway.
“Yesterday, we observed 25 verified commercial vessel crossings through the Strait of Hormuz,” AXSMarine said in a post on social media on Friday. “That is the highest single-day count since 18 April, which came during a brief reopening window following Iran’s announcement that the strait was open to commercial traffic at the time. That window proved short-lived, making the 18 June count the strongest daily figure since that temporary surge.”
The 25 verified transits on Thursday is almost five times the average daily traffic during the first 10 days of June. However, it is still far below pre-war levels, when about 110 vessels crossed the strait every day on average. Before the conflict, about 20% of global oil passed through the strait. Its effective closure has led to spiking oil prices.
The true figure could be higher — AXSMarine’s data is taken from ships’ AIS (Automatic Identification System) transponders. However, many ships have been turning off the mandatory marine tracking and collision-avoidance system to attempt to cross the strait without being tracked, .
“The rebound [in shipping traffic] came amid the largest AIS signal disruption event we have observed in the Persian Gulf since the conflict began, with over 200 commercial vessels affected simultaneously by spoofing or abnormal AIS behavior,” AXSMarine added.
Israeli attacks in Lebanon are straining the US-Iran agreement. Here's the latest
Tehran and Washington will not hold talks in Switzerland today as planned, the Swiss foreign ministry said, leaving teams working to finalize a deal within 60 days with even less time for negotiations.
Iranian officials are seeking guarantees that Israel’s offensive in Lebanon will stop before resuming the discussions, a diplomat told CNN. Israel and Hezbollah have continued to trade fire in Lebanon, despite the agreement between Tehran and Washington declaring an end to “military operations on all fronts.”
Here’s what you need to know:
- More deadly attacks in Lebanon: Israeli attacks killed 18 people in Lebanon’s south overnight, with waves of strikes targeting populated areas in the Nabatieh district. The strikes came after four Israeli soldiers were killed in the south when a Hezbollah explosive hit a tank, the military said.
- Vance blasts Israel: US Vice President JD Vance said Thursday that Israel’s offensive had impeded negotiations. He slammed Israeli officials who criticized US President Donald Trump, warning: “If I was in the Cabinet of the Israeli government, I might not be attacking the only powerful ally that I have anywhere left in the entire world.”
- “All of Lebanon should burn”: Israel’s far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir said “all of Lebanon should burn” after the death of the soldiers, while Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said forces should “open the gates of hell.” Israeli forces occupy a broad swath of territory in southern Lebanon. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has made clear he has no intention of withdrawing from it, and some Israeli officials have likened the military campaign in Lebanon to that of Gaza.
- Strait of Hormuz recovery: Ship captains warned weeks could pass before the flow of maritime traffic returns to pre-war levels. Despite US insistence the strait will reopen without tolls, Iran’s national security council stated a newly created authority will manage vessels through the oil trade chokepoint.
Iran seeks guarantees that hostilities in Lebanon will end before resuming US talks, diplomat says
Iran has asked for guarantees that hostilities in Lebanon will end before it resumes talks with the US in Switzerland, a diplomat with knowledge of the matter told CNN.
“The Iranians have asked for guarantees that hostilities in Lebanon will end, as outlined in the signed agreement,” the diplomat said, adding that “mediators are currently working to resolve the issue.”
The source described the planned talks as now “temporarily postponed following the Israeli strikes in Lebanon” without saying when mediators expect a resumption.
We're tracking the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz
The US-Iran agreement promises that commercial traffic in the Strait of Hormuz “will immediately start.”
CNN is tracking the strait’s reopening and its traffic volumes in live maps and charts.
Reopening the Strait of Hormuz — which Tehran effectively closed during the conflict — is a key part of the memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the United States and Iran. Before the war, around 20% of global oil production flowed through the waterway.
Under the MOU, the United States has until July 19 to fully lift its naval blockade of Iranian ports. Iran is expected to make its “best efforts” to restore traffic to pre-war levels over that same period.
Left unaddressed in the agreement is whether Iran will ultimately retain control over the strait.
“All of Lebanon should burn,” far-right Israeli minister says after 4 soldiers killed
Far-right Israeli Minister of National Security Itamar Ben Gvir said “all of Lebanon should burn” after a Hezbollah explosive device killed four Israeli soldiers on Lebanese territory overnight Friday.
“For every tear shed by an Israeli mother, a thousand Lebanon mothers should cry,” Ben Gvir said on X. “All of Lebanon should burn.”
Ben Gvir has repeatedly pushed for more intense Israeli strikes in Lebanon, including attacks on the capital Beirut, even as President Donald Trump has compelled Israel to scale back its attacks.
“With all due respect to the Americans, Israel must make it clear to the entire world that the blood of our sons and the security of our citizens are not up for sacrifice,” Ben Gvir said.
Far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who said it was a “difficult morning,” also called for punishing strikes in Lebanon. “It is time to speak with fire,” he said on X. “To open the gates of hell.”
Israeli forces occupy a broad swath of territory in southern Lebanon. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has made clear he has no intention of withdrawing from it.
4 Israeli soldiers killed in Lebanon in first Israeli deaths since Iran deal
Four Israeli soldiers were killed in southern Lebanon overnight Friday in the first Israeli deaths since the signing of the Iran ceasefire deal.
According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), the four soldiers were in a Merkava tank near Kfar Tebnit, an area the military has been targeting. A Hezbollah explosive device struck the tank, the IDF said, killing the soldiers inside who were the commanders of the 52nd Battalion.
The IDF identified one of the soldiers as Lt. Col. Dor Gedalia Ben Shimon. The military has not released the identities of the three other soldiers.
The incident occurred just two days after US President Donald Trump officially signed an agreement with Iran, which was supposed to end the fighting in Lebanon as well. It marks one of the deadliest incidents for Israeli forces in southern Lebanon since the war began.
The IDF said it is now reviewing whether an explosive drone entered through an open hatch on the tank or whether the tank was struck by an anti-tank missile or other type of drone.
Israel began carrying out a wave of powerful strikes across southern Lebanon following the incident. According to Lebanon’ Ministry of Public Health, Israeli strikes have killed at least 18 people on Friday, with the number expected to rise.
In a statement, Hezbollah said they lured a group of soldiers into the area and opened fire, “targeting three Merkava tanks with guided missiles, which led to their destruction.”
“The fighters continued their resistance against the enemy forces with the intense barrage of rockets and artillery shells,” Hezbollah said.
Is the Strait of Hormuz open?
As the US and Iran signed a memorandum of understanding, ships have begun to go through the Strait of Hormuz, according to marine traffic data. CNN’s Paula Hancocks reports on what’s next for the vital shipping route.
As the US and Iran signed a memorandum of understanding, ships have begun to go through the Strait of Hormuz, according to marine traffic data. CNN’s Paula Hancocks reports on what is next for the vital shipping route.
Senior Iranian officials make clear a deep mistrust hangs over US agreement
Over the last few hours, there have been multiple statements from senior Iranian officials that make clear their deep mistrust of US intentions remains.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei said he authorized the 14-point plan, hatched after months of fighting and failed negotiations, despite holding “a different view.” This echoes his late father’s signature weariness of US negotiators, an Iran expert told CNN.
“Taking a page from his father’s playbook, Mojtaba is hedging his bets in case Trump proves to be an unreliable negotiating partner,” Ali Vaez, Iran Project Director for the Crisis Group, said.
As a show of their doubt, top Iranian officials have vowed to sharply retaliate if the US violates the deal.
Iran’s powerful National Security Council — comprised of top security officials — further warned that “should any deviation or violation occur on the part of the United States, a reciprocal response will be carried out in accordance with a predetermined plan.”
For context: Throughout the conflict, the US has repeatedly used military action as a tool to pressure Iran into a deal, including this month, when it bombed Tehran amid stalled negotiations.
Iranian officials are also painfully aware that their country was bombed during previous periods of negotiations with the US since the war that broke out in late February.
Tehran’s deeply held mistrust of Washington is rooted in decades of interventions by the US, beginning with the CIA-backed 1953 coup that restored the autocratic Shah to power.
