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الوسم: sanctions

  • UN Sanctions on Iran to Resume as Nuclear Talks Stall

    UN Sanctions on Iran to Resume as Nuclear Talks Stall

    Iran was on the verge of implementing comprehensive UN sanctions late Saturday for the first time in ten years—unless an unexpected breakthrough occurs—after nuclear negotiations with Western nations stalled.

    On Friday, the UN nuclear agency reported that inspectors had been permitted to revisit Iranian sites, but Western governments deemed the progress insufficient to justify postponing sanctions following a week of high-level diplomacy at the UN General Assembly.

    European nations initiated a one-month countdown for the immediate re-imposition of UN sanctions, accusing Iran of not fully disclosing its nuclear activities—including measures taken in response to bombings by Israel and the US.

    Iran responded by recalling its envoys from Britain, France, and Germany for consultations, according to state TV, after these countries officially triggered the sanctions mechanism.

    The sanctions are scheduled to take effect at midnight GMT on Sunday (8 p.m. Saturday in New York), establishing a worldwide ban on collaborating with entities accused of advancing Iran’s nuclear and missile programs.

    Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian criticized the potential deal, asserting that Iran has no reason to agree, believing that Israel and the US are leveraging pressure to topple the Islamic Republic. He reaffirmed Iran’s stance against developing nuclear weapons, stating, “If the goal was to resolve concerns about our nuclear program, we could do so easily.”

    During the week, Pezeshkian met with French President Emmanuel Macron, who proposed that Iran relinquish its stockpile of highly enriched uranium in exchange for a one-month delay in sanctions reimplementation. Pezeshkian questioned this approach, asking, “Why would we trap ourselves and hang ourselves each month?”

    He accused the US of pressuring European allies to avoid reaching a compromise. Steve Witkoff, a close associate of former President Trump and a negotiator, claimed the US does not intend to harm Iran and remains open to negotiations. However, Pezeshkian criticized Witkoff for seeming unserious, citing past agreements he claims Witkoff has abandoned—citing recent Israeli military actions that halted negotiations abruptly.

    The reimposed sanctions aim to increase economic pressure on Iran, but enforcement remains uncertain. Russia’s deputy ambassador Dmitry Polyansky dismissed the sanctions, calling their reimposition “null and void,” and Russia alongside China attempted to delay the sanctions until April but failed to gather enough support at the UN Security Council.

    The US already maintains unilateral sanctions after withdrawing from the 2015 nuclear deal—an agreement Iran and several European countries previously supported, which offered sanctions relief in return for strict nuclear program restrictions. The new measures are a direct “snapback” of those UN sanctions, which had been suspended under the 2015 deal.

    The International Crisis Group noted that Iran appears relatively unmoved by the imminent sanctions, having already adapted to US and other restrictions. Still, reversing the snapback would require a consensus at the Security Council, making it difficult to undo. The report emphasizes that the sanctions could worsen Iran’s already turbulent economy, plagued by inflation, currency issues, and infrastructural challenges.

    Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a defiant speech at the UN, calling for no delay in re-imposing sanctions and implicitly warning that Israel might again target Iran’s nuclear facilities, particularly after ramping up its military strikes in June that Iran claims resulted in over 1,000 deaths.

    Pezeshkian warned Iran would not retaliate by abandoning the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, accusing unnamed powers of seeking a superficial pretext to ignite regional conflict.

  • Tehran, Moscow Announce $25bn Pact for Iran’s Nuclear Plants

    Tehran, Moscow Announce $25bn Pact for Iran’s Nuclear Plants

    Iran and Russia have agreed to a $25 billion project to build four nuclear power plants in Tehran, according to Iranian state media reports on Friday. This announcement comes just hours before the anticipated reinstatement of broad United Nations sanctions on Iran.

    The deal, signed between Iran’s Hormoz company and Russia’s Rosatom, targets the construction of these four nuclear facilities in Sirik, Hormozgan. Currently, Iran operates only one nuclear power plant in Bushehr in the south, with a 1,000 MW capacity, which supplies only a small portion of the country’s energy needs.

    Each new plant is expected to have a capacity of approximately 1,255 MW, although specific timelines for completion have not been disclosed.

    This development occurs amidst the impending re-imposition of snapback sanctions triggered by European signatories of the 2015 nuclear deal, accusing Iran of breaching its commitments. Britain, France, and Germany activated these sanctions last month.

    During a Security Council session, China and Russia proposed extending negotiations by another six months through a draft resolution, but the proposal is unlikely to gather sufficient support.

    Western nations have long accused Iran of pursuing nuclear weapons, charges Tehran firmly denies, asserting its right to maintain a civilian nuclear energy program. Since the U.S. withdrew unilaterally from the nuclear agreement in 2018, Iran has begun scaling back its commitments under the deal. Efforts to negotiate a new agreement were ongoing but were disrupted in June by unprecedented Israeli strikes on Iran, which sparked a brief 12-day conflict involving the United States.

    Historically, Iran signed a nuclear energy agreement with Russia in 1993 to help build the Bushehr plant after Germany withdrew from a similar project following Iran’s 1979 Islamic Revolution.

  • Iran’s President Affirms No Nuclear Bomb Ambition at UN

    Iran’s President Affirms No Nuclear Bomb Ambition at UN

    Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian addressed the 80th United Nations General Assembly in New York on September 24, 2025. During his speech, he asserted that Iran has never aimed to develop nuclear weapons and continues to have no such intentions: “Iran has never sought and will never seek to build a nuclear bomb. Our pursuit is strictly peaceful.”

    Pezeshkian criticized the recent actions of the European countries—Britain, France, and Germany—which initiated a 30-day process on August 28 to restore UN sanctions against Iran, accusing Tehran of violating the 2015 nuclear deal that aimed to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons. This process is set to conclude on September 27. European nations have agreed to hold off on sanctions reinstatement for up to six months if Iran grants UN inspectors access, addresses uranium enrichment concerns, and engages in talks with the United States.

    The Iranian president denounced the European move as “illegal,” claiming it was carried out under U.S. influence. While the U.S., Israel, and European allies accuse Iran of using its nuclear program as a cover to develop weapons, Tehran insists its activities are solely for peaceful energy purposes.

    Pezeshkian accused the E3 of abandoning good faith, claiming they bypassed legal obligations and mischaracterized Iran’s lawful measures as violations. Despite ongoing negotiations, disagreements persist—European powers say Iran’s leadership hasn’t met the conditions for relief, while Iran refuses to make concessions. Ayatollah Khamenei, Iran’s Supreme Leader, has rejected negotiations with the U.S. as long as threats persist.

    If negotiations fail by September 27, all UN sanctions will be reimposed. This includes an arms embargo, uranium enrichment restrictions, bans on ballistic missile activities, asset freezes, and travel bans targeting Iranian individuals and organizations. Iran already faces severe sanctions since 2018, following the U.S. withdrawal from the nuclear deal under President Trump.

    Recent tensions escalated after U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear sites in June, prompting Iran’s parliament to suspend cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). However, a recent agreement has allowed inspections to resume, and IAEA chief Rafael Grossi indicated inspectors are en route to Iran, contingent on a deal to prevent sanctions from returning.

  • Kim Says North Korea Can Talk to US if Denuclearization Demand Ends

    Kim Says North Korea Can Talk to US if Denuclearization Demand Ends

    North Korean leader Kim Jong Un stated that he is open to talks with the United States if Washington ceases its demand for denuclearization, but insists that his country will never relinquish its nuclear weapons to lift sanctions. According to state media, Kim mentioned during the Supreme People’s Assembly on Sunday, “I still cherish good memories of U.S. President Trump,” recalling their three meetings during Trump’s administration.

    Kim emphasized that there is no reason to avoid dialogue if the U.S. drops its irrational obsession with forcing North Korea to denuclearize and recognizes the reality of the situation. He asserted that the country developed nuclear weapons as a matter of survival in response to perceived threats from the U.S. and South Korea, citing ongoing military drills by the allies which he claims have transformed into preparations for nuclear war.

    He criticized recent overtures from Washington and Seoul, describing them as insincere efforts aimed at weakening North Korea and toppling his regime, citing South Korea’s phased proposal to end North Korea’s nuclear program as proof. Kim declared, “The world already knows what the U.S. does once a country disarms. We will never surrender our nuclear capabilities.”

    Kim made it clear that negotiations are not an option for eternity, stating, “There will never be, and will never ever be for eternity, any negotiations with enemies over some obsession with lifting sanctions.” He claims sanctions have only served to strengthen his country and make it more resilient, despite ongoing UN Security Council resolutions that have restricted funding for military development, which North Korea continues to advance.

    South Korean President Lee Jae Myung recently told Reuters that these sanctions have failed to deter North Korea, which is reportedly increasing its stockpile of nuclear weapons by 15 to 20 every year. Lee acknowledged that previous strategies based on sanctions and pressure have worsened the situation and highlighted the need for renewed dialogue, proposing steps toward confidence-building and eventual denuclearization.

    Lee also noted that although there are significant challenges to restarting talks with North Korea, a phased approach to dismantling Pyongyang’s nuclear program remains the most realistic option, with the involvement of former President Trump playing a crucial role in creating the right conditions for dialogue.

  • New US Iran Sanctions Imposed

    New US Iran Sanctions Imposed

    The U.S. has announced new sanctions against Iran, targeting several individuals and organizations, according to a notice on the Treasury Department’s website issued on Tuesday.

    This story is ongoing and updates will follow as more details emerge.

  • Trump warns of action if dissatisfied with Putin’s response

    Trump warns of action if dissatisfied with Putin’s response

    US President Donald Trump teased the possibility of new sanctions against Russia if it doesn’t put an end to its conflict in Ukraine, indicating that “you’ll see actions taken” if he’s not pleased with Vladimir Putin’s response. Trump is also scheduled to have a conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday, according to a White House official, following earlier statements from Zelensky and European leaders that they anticipated a call.

    In the Oval Office, while meeting with Polish President Karol Nawrocki, Trump stated, “I don’t have a message for President Putin; he knows where I stand, and he’ll make a decision regardless.” He added, “Whatever he decides, we’ll either be content with it or not. And if we’re not satisfied, you’ll see things happen.”

    These remarks coincided with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who attended a massive military parade in Beijing alongside Chinese President Xi Jinping and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, reaffirming Russia’s commitment to fight in Ukraine if peace negotiations fail. Diplomatic efforts by the U.S. to broker a peace deal seem to have reached an impasse.

    Putin has shown limited interest in meeting with Trump’s suggested talks between Russian and Ukrainian leaders. Meanwhile, Trump has kept vague about potential actions if Putin doesn’t cooperate. Despite this, Trump pushed back against claims of leniency toward Moscow, referencing secondary sanctions recently imposed on India for purchasing Russian oil and hinting at additional measures being considered.

    “I haven’t even implemented phases two and three yet,” Trump remarked, without providing specifics. On Thursday, he plans to speak with Zelensky and European officials.

    “I’ll be talking with him soon, and I’ll know what our next steps are,” Trump said when asked by an AFP reporter. A White House official later confirmed, “Trump is referring to Zelensky; they will be speaking tomorrow.”

    The upcoming summit in Paris will feature a hybrid format, with some leaders attending physically and others joining via video call. This will be followed by a phone discussion with Trump, scheduled to start at 12:00 GMT, and a press briefing at 13:00 GMT, according to the French presidency. Earlier Wednesday, Zelensky expressed his hope to press Trump for additional sanctions against Russia.

  • Europe Initiates UN Sanctions on Iran, Confirms Letter

    Europe Initiates UN Sanctions on Iran, Confirms Letter

    Britain, France, and Germany have initiated a 30-day process to reimpose United Nations sanctions on Iran related to its nuclear program. This move, announced in a letter sent to the UN Security Council and viewed by Reuters, is expected to heighten tensions following recent Israeli and U.S. airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear sites.

    The three countries, collectively known as the E3, stated that they are activating the snapback mechanism before mid-October, which is when they will lose the authority to reinstate sanctions that were lifted under the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran. Despite negotiations aimed at postponing this trigger—especially after the findings of breaches and Iran’s enrichment activities—the discussions in Geneva this week didn’t produce sufficiently concrete commitments from Iran.

    The E3—whose ministers informed U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio of this decision—expressed hope that Iran would engage by late September and provide assurances concerning its nuclear activities, which might persuade them to delay further action. They emphasized their unwavering commitment to diplomatic efforts to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons, stating that the activation of the snapback process is a part of this overarching goal.

    In response, a senior Iranian official described the move to restore UN sanctions as “illegal and regrettable,” criticizing it as a setback for diplomacy and indicating that Iran is reviewing options, including potential withdrawal from the Non-Proliferation Treaty. Iran’s government is divided on how to respond, with hardliners advocating resistance and confrontation, while moderates favor continued diplomatic engagement.

    Iran’s technical activities have advanced, with uranium enrichment reaching up to 60%, close to weapons-grade levels. The country has enough material enriched to potentially produce six nuclear weapons if further refined. However, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) states that while they cannot guarantee the entire program is peaceful, there is no credible evidence linking Iran’s activities to a coordinated weapons project. Western nations argue that Iran’s nuclear pursuits surpass civilian needs, a claim Iran dismisses.

    The 30-day period for restoring sanctions covers critical sectors like finance, banking, oil, and defense, heightening frustration within Iran amid economic struggles and political disagreements. The looming sanctions are seen as further isolating the Islamic Republic, with some officials in Tehran facing internal pressures to resist or comply.

    The international community remains watchful as Iran continues enrichment activities and balances its internal debates between defiance and diplomacy, with the situation poised to influence regional and global security dynamics.

  • UN watchdog chief confirms inspectors are ‘back in Iran’

    UN watchdog chief confirms inspectors are ‘back in Iran’

    The team of IAEA inspectors has returned to Iran, marking the first visit since recent Israeli and U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities earlier this year, according to Rafael Grossi. He announced that the UN nuclear watchdog plans to “resume” its activities in the country and is currently discussing practical steps to facilitate this restart.

    Grossi conveyed to Fox News that the initial team of inspectors has re-entered Iran and efforts are underway to restart inspections, noting that Iran has various nuclear facilities affected differently—some targeted in attacks, others not. Discussions are ongoing to determine the feasible methods to resume IAEA operations effectively.

    This development coincides with Iran engaging in talks with Britain, France, and Germany in Geneva on Tuesday. Iran aims to prevent a potential reimposition of sanctions under the stalled 2015 nuclear deal, with European nations warning they might activate the deal’s “snapback” mechanism by the end of August.

    Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi emphasized the importance of diplomacy, urging the European countries to choose constructive dialogue and allow space for negotiations. Since the June conflict—an Israeli surprise attack that disrupted Iran’s nuclear negotiations with the U.S.—relations between Iran and the IAEA have become strained. Tehran blames the UN agency for some of the damage to its nuclear sites, while Israel insists its strikes aimed to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons—a claim Iran consistently denies.

    The 2015 nuclear agreement unraveled in 2018 when the Trump administration withdrew unilaterally and imposed sanctions. The current threat from European parties involves triggering the agreement’s snapback provisions, which would restore comprehensive UN sanctions unless Iran agrees to limit uranium enrichment and cooperate fully with IAEA inspectors.

  • Iran Calls on Europe to Choose the Right Side on Sanctions

    Iran Calls on Europe to Choose the Right Side on Sanctions

    This file photo shows an Iranian flag. — AFP

    • Deputy Foreign Minister calls on the UK, France, and Germany to give diplomacy more time.
    • Tehran claims it is negotiating “with all our strength” in Geneva talks.
    • Iran rejects European claims of legal and moral grounds for triggering a snapback.

    On Tuesday, Iran engaged in discussions with European nations, aiming to prevent the reimposition of sanctions that they have warned they might enforce under the stalled 2015 nuclear agreement.

    Kazem Gharibabadi, Iran’s deputy foreign minister participating in the talks with Britain, France, and Germany in Geneva, stated on X that it’s “high time” for the European trio “to make the right choice and allow diplomacy the time and space it needs.”

    Earlier, Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei indicated that “our main goal is to prevent actions or incidents that could prove costly for the country.”

    As negotiations with European diplomats approach their second round since a 12-day conflict between Iran and Israel in June, Baqaei emphasized that Tehran is “negotiating with all our might.”

    This conflict, sparked by an unprecedented surprise attack by Israel, disrupted Tehran’s nuclear talks with the United States and led Iran to halt cooperation with the UN nuclear watchdog.

    The European countries involved — signatories of the crucial 2015 Iran nuclear deal — have threatened to activate the deal’s “snapback mechanism” by the end of August. This would re-impose broad UN sanctions lifted under the agreement unless Iran agrees to limit uranium enrichment and cooperate fully with IAEA inspectors.

    Baqaei argued that the European nations lack the legal and moral standing to trigger the snapback, asserting, “We won’t allow this matter to be used as a tool of psychological warfare.”

    The deadline to activate the mechanism expires in October; afterward, UN sanctions would be permanently lifted. However, according to the Financial Times, Europeans have indicated they might seek to extend this deadline.

    Iran dismisses the Europeans’ right to extend the deadline. Recently, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran is working with allies China and Russia to thwart the reintroduction of sanctions.

    The nuclear deal fell apart in 2018 after then-President Donald Trump withdrew the U.S. unilaterally and imposed severe sanctions on Iran.

    Before recent clashes with Israel, Iran had conducted five rounds of negotiations with the U.S. to reach a new agreement regarding its nuclear program.

    Israel’s offensive resulted in the deaths of top commanders, nuclear scientists, and hundreds of civilians, destroying military sites and residential areas alike.

    Iran responded by launching ballistic missile strikes on Israeli cities, while the U.S. conducted targeted strikes against Iran’s nuclear facilities. A ceasefire between Iran and Israel has been in effect since June 24.

  • Geneva hosts Iran-Europe nuclear talks

    Geneva hosts Iran-Europe nuclear talks

    Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi addressed a gathering of foreign ambassadors in Tehran on July 12, 2025. The upcoming meeting between Iran and Britain, France, and Germany is set to take place in Geneva, according to Iranian state media reports. This will be the second round of discussions since Iran’s 12-day conflict with Israel in mid-June, during which the U.S. launched strikes against Iran’s nuclear facilities. The previous negotiations occurred in Istanbul on July 25.

    Following the conflict, Iran halted cooperation with the UN’s nuclear watchdog, citing the International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) failure to condemn Israeli and American attacks on its nuclear sites. The conflict disrupted nuclear talks involving Tehran and Washington during the 12-day war.

    The European countries—Britain, France, and Germany—have warned they might activate a “snapback mechanism” under the 2015 nuclear deal, which would restore UN sanctions lifted under the agreement, unless Iran agrees to limit its uranium enrichment and cooperate fully with IAEA inspections. Iran challenges the legitimacy of this move, accusing European nations of not upholding their commitments under the accord.

    The 2015 agreement, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), was brokered by Iran, the U.S., and European nations, and aimed to lift sanctions in exchange for restrictions on Iran’s nuclear program to prevent it from developing nuclear weapons—a goal Iran has consistently denied pursuing. However, the U.S. withdrew unilaterally in 2018 under President Donald Trump, reinstating heavy sanctions that prompted Iran to scale back its commitments, notably on uranium enrichment.

    Despite the U.S. exit, Britain, France, and Germany reaffirmed their support for the JCPOA and intended to maintain trade with Iran. Consequently, UN and European sanctions were not reimposed, though many Western companies exited the Iranian market amid economic crisis and inflation. The European nations have proposed extending the October deadline to trigger the snapback mechanism, contingent on Iran resuming nuclear negotiations with Washington and reengaging with the IAEA. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi has rejected this proposal, asserting that Europeans lack the authority to do so.

  • European Nations Confirm to UN: Ready to Reinstate Iran Sanctions

    European Nations Confirm to UN: Ready to Reinstate Iran Sanctions

    Britain, France, and Germany have informed the United Nations of their readiness to reinstate UN-imposed sanctions on Iran over its nuclear activities if a diplomatic resolution isn’t reached by the end of August, according to a joint letter obtained by AFP. The letter, addressed to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and the Security Council, states that these countries are “dedicated to deploying all diplomatic options to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon” unless Iran meets the specified deadline.

    The European powers threaten to activate the “snapback mechanism” outlined in the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran, which previously relaxed UN sanctions. This mechanism allows any signatory to restore sanctions if Iran breaches terms of the agreement, which is set to expire this October. The trio has intensified their warnings regarding Iran’s suspension of cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Iran’s nuclear oversight body.

    These warnings follow Israel’s 12-day military campaign against Iran in June, partly aimed at crippling its nuclear program, during which the United States also conducted a bombing raid. The European countries have emphasized that if Iran refrains from a diplomatic solution before the August deadline or declines to extend negotiations, they are prepared to trigger the snapback process.

    All three nations were signatories to the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which included the U.S., China, and Russia, offering a mix of incentives and pressures aimed at curbing Iran’s uranium enrichment efforts necessary for nuclear weapons development. The U.S. withdrew from the agreement in 2018 under President Donald Trump, reimposing sanctions, but the European countries remain committed to upholding the original deal.

    The letter also notes Iran’s continued breach of the JCPOA—most notably its uranium stockpile exceeding the agreed limit by more than 40 times—and their intention to seek a diplomatic resolution. However, they are prepared to declare Iran’s non-compliance and activate the snapback if no satisfactory agreement is reached by the deadline.

    Iran maintains that European countries lack the legal authority to restore sanctions, a claim dismissed by the European ministers as unfounded. Meanwhile, Iran has halted cooperation with the IAEA following recent Israeli strikes on its nuclear sites but has indicated that talks with the agency may resume soon, with Iran’s foreign minister endorsing ongoing discussions to establish a new cooperation framework.

  • Iran Announces IAEA Official Visit for Talks, No Site Access Planned

    Iran Announces IAEA Official Visit for Talks, No Site Access Planned

    A senior UN nuclear agency official will travel to Iran on Monday for discussions, but no visits to nuclear facilities are scheduled, according to Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Sunday.

    Since Israel launched military strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites in a 12-day conflict in June, IAEA inspectors have been unable to access Iran’s facilities, despite IAEA Director Rafael Grossi emphasizing that inspections remain a top priority. Iran has accused the agency of facilitating the bombings by releasing a critical report on May 31, which prompted the IAEA’s 35-member Board of Governors to declare Iran in breach of its non-proliferation commitments.

    Iran, denying any intent to develop nuclear weapons, reaffirmed its commitment to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). Araghchi stated on his Telegram account that negotiations with the IAEA would occur the next day to establish a cooperative framework. He mentioned that a deputy director general from Grossi will visit Tehran, but no nuclear site visits are planned until an agreement is reached.

    Last month, Iran ceased cooperation with the IAEA, criticizing the agency for not condemning Israeli and US strikes on its nuclear sites. Israel’s attacks derailed nuclear negotiations between Iran and the US that had resumed in April—the highest-level contact since the US abandoned the 2015 nuclear deal in 2018.

    Following the conflict, Iran has demanded security guarantees before resuming talks with the US. Araghchi recently indicated that Iran has received messages from the US about resuming negotiations, but he clarified that nothing has been finalized yet.

    On July 25, Iranian diplomats met with representatives from Germany, Britain, and France, who warned of imposing sanctions by August’s end if Iran fails to reach an agreement on its nuclear program. These sanctions, under the “snapback mechanism,” would restore UN sanctions lifted in 2015 as part of the nuclear deal. The mechanism’s deadline is October, and Iran has warned of repercussions if activated.

    Araghchi added that diplomatic contacts with Europeans are ongoing, but no date has been set for the next round of talks.

  • Official: Trump May Meet Putin Over Ukraine Next Week

    Official: Trump May Meet Putin Over Ukraine Next Week

    President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a conversation during the family photo session at the APEC Summit in Danang, Vietnam, on November 11, 2017. —Reuters

    • The U.S. president has threatened to impose sanctions on countries purchasing Russian exports.
    • Talks between Washington and Moscow concluded after several hours of discussion.
    • An aide to Putin indicated that both sides exchanged “signals” during the meetings.

    A White House official revealed on Wednesday that President Donald Trump may meet Vladimir Putin as early as next week. The United States also plans to implement secondary sanctions on Friday to pressure Moscow into ending its invasion of Ukraine. If scheduled, this would be the first face-to-face encounter between a sitting U.S. and Russian leader since Joe Biden met Putin in Geneva in June 2021—about eight months before Russia launched its largest European invasion since World War II by attacking Ukraine.

    Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky haven’t met since December 2019, and their relationship remains tense and openly contemptuous. The New York Times reported that during a call with European leaders, Trump expressed his intention to meet with Putin and then follow up with a trilateral discussion involving Zelensky. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that, responding to the report, stating, “The Russians expressed their desire to meet with President Trump, and the President is open to meeting with both President Putin and President Zelensky.” The potential Trump-Putin meeting could happen as soon as next week.

    A German government spokesperson also mentioned that Trump shared details about discussions with Russia during a call with the German chancellor and other European officials. These developments come after a Wednesday meeting between Putin and U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff, which Trump claimed was highly productive and marked by “great progress.” This meeting occurred just two days before Trump’s deadline for Russia to accept peace in Ukraine or face new sanctions.

    Trump’s frustration with Putin has grown due to the lack of progress in peace negotiations. He has threatened to slap hefty tariffs on nations buying Russian exports, including oil. A White House official noted that, despite positive talks and Moscow’s eagerness to continue engaging, secondary sanctions—once threatened by Trump—are still expected to be activated this Friday, though details were not disclosed.

    Secretary of State Marco Rubio told Fox Business that more efforts are necessary to reach an agreement. “Today was a positive step, but there’s still a lot of work ahead,” he said, emphasizing the many obstacles remaining and the hope to overcome them soon.

    Earlier, a Kremlin aide described Witkoff’s discussions with Putin as “useful and constructive.” They met for approximately three hours on a last-minute mission to find a breakthrough in the ongoing conflict, which has lasted three and a half years following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Yuri Ushakov, a Kremlin foreign policy advisor, stated that both sides exchanged “signals” on Ukraine and discussed the possibility of strategic cooperation—with specifics to be reported back to Trump.

    Zelensky expressed hope that pressure on Russia has been effective and that Moscow has become more receptive to a ceasefire. “It seems like Russia is now more inclined to a ceasefire. The pressure is working. However, the main point is that they don’t deceive us on the details—neither us nor the US,” he said in his nightly address.

    On social media platform X, Zelensky mentioned that he discussed Witkoff’s visit to Russia with Trump, reaffirming Ukraine’s commitment to a just peace and its continued defense of its sovereignty. “Ukraine will definitely defend its independence. We all desire a lasting and reliable peace. Russia must end the war it started,” he stated, adding that European leaders had joined the call with Trump.

    Trump shared on Truth Social that he updated some European allies on Witkoff’s recent discussions.

    Pressure on India

    Trump took a significant step on Wednesday by imposing an additional 25% tariff on imports from India, citing New Delhi’s continued purchases of Russian oil. The tariff hike raises some Indian goods’ duties to as high as 50%, making it among the steepest tariffs faced by any U.S. trading partner. The Kremlin has criticized such threats, calling them illegal.

    Ushakov, present at the meeting, said that “signals” regarding Ukraine were exchanged by both sides. Reports from Bloomberg and The Bell, an independent Russian outlet, suggest that Russia might propose a temporary moratorium on airstrikes by both Russia and Ukraine—an idea last floated by Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko during a meeting with Putin. Although such a move would fall short of a full ceasefire, it could provide a measure of relief for both nations.

    Air Strikes and Conflict

    Since direct peace talks resumed in May, Russia has intensified its air attacks, leading to the deaths of at least 72 civilians in Kyiv alone. Trump condemned these strikes as “disgusting.” Ukraine continues targeting Russian refineries and oil depots repeatedly. Zelensky’s chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, stated that a comprehensive ceasefire and leaders’ summit are necessary; “The war must stop, and for now, this is on Russia,” he posted on Telegram.

    It’s unlikely Putin will accept Trump’s sanctions threat, as he believes he’s gaining the upper hand in the war. His military objectives take priority over improving US-Russia relations, according to sources close to the Kremlin. These sources also indicated that Putin is skeptical about additional US sanctions after multiple rounds of economic penalties over the past three and a half years.

  • US envoy holds 3-hour talks with Putin before Trump sanctions deadline

    US envoy holds 3-hour talks with Putin before Trump sanctions deadline

    A Russian official stated that “dialogue will prevail” amid ongoing tensions. President Donald Trump has set a Friday deadline for Russia to agree to end the conflict, warning of sanctions on countries purchasing Russian exports.

    On Wednesday, U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff met with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin, just two days before the deadline Trump imposed. Witkoff’s visit was a last-minute effort to find a breakthrough in the more than three-year war triggered by Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. State television in Russia aired a brief clip of Witkoff shaking hands with Putin at the start of their meeting.

    According to Russian news agencies, the discussions lasted approximately three hours, after which Witkoff’s convoy was seen leaving the Kremlin. Kirill Dmitriev, Russia’s investment envoy, who welcomed Witkoff earlier and walked with him in a nearby park, commented on social media, “Dialogue will prevail.”

    Neither side issued immediate statements regarding the details of the talks. Trump, increasingly frustrated with Putin over the lack of progress toward peace, has threatened to impose substantial tariffs on countries that buy Russian exports, notably India and China, which are major purchasers of Russian oil. Russia has dismissed such threats as illegal.

    Speculation suggests Russia may propose a temporary halt to Russian and Ukrainian airstrikes—a tentative idea earlier brought up by Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko. If agreed upon, this would fall short of a full ceasefire but could ease tensions. Since direct peace talks resumed in May, Russia has intensified its air assaults, causing at least 72 deaths in Kyiv alone, with Trump condemning the attacks as “disgusting.”

    Ukraine continues targeting Russian oil refineries and storage facilities. President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Russia of attacking a gas station in southern Ukraine, a move he described as a cynical attempt to weaken Ukraine’s winter heating preparations. Russia countered by stating it struck military-supplying gas infrastructure.

    Ukraine’s chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, emphasized the need for a complete ceasefire and a summit of leaders, asserting that “the war must stop, and for now, this is on Russia.”

    Putin is unlikely to accept Trump’s sanctions demands, as he believes he is winning the war and prioritizes his military objectives over improving U.S.-Russia relations, according to sources close to the Kremlin. Experts suggest Witkoff’s visit is a last-ditch effort to find a face-saving compromise, but full agreement seems unlikely.

    Russia maintains that it is prepared for a ceasefire only under conditions it has set for years, including NATO’s eastward expansion, Ukrainian neutrality, protections for Russian speakers, and acceptance of territorial gains. Zelensky has firmly stated Ukraine won’t recognize Russia’s sovereignty over occupied regions and retains the right to pursue NATO membership.

    Witkoff, a real estate billionaire lacking diplomatic experience, was added to Trump’s team in January. He has been tasked with seeking ceasefires in Ukraine and Gaza, as well as negotiations regarding Iran’s nuclear program. Critics argue he is out of his depth in negotiations with Putin, sometimes echoing Kremlin rhetoric. In March, Witkoff claimed Russia had no interest in taking more Ukrainian territory or expanding into Europe, which contrasts with Kyiv and Western allies’ views. Putin, meanwhile, denies any aspirations to threaten NATO, framing such accusations as evidence of European hostility and “Russophobia.”

  • US imposes sweeping new sanctions on Iran’s shipping industry

    US imposes sweeping new sanctions on Iran’s shipping industry

    The United States has unveiled a new set of sanctions aimed at Iran’s shipping sector, targeting over 100 individuals, companies, and vessels connected to the country. This action aligns with President Donald Trump’s efforts to heighten pressure on Tehran, especially after June’s airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. US officials state the goal is to prevent Iran from selling oil and to disrupt financial channels believed to sustain the regime.

    The sanctions predominantly focus on the shipping operations of Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani, son of Ali Shamkhani, who is an advisor to Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The US Treasury describes this as the most significant Iran-related sanctions since 2018, during Trump’s first term.

    Treasury officials allege Shamkhani manages a large fleet of container ships and tankers through complex intermediaries, facilitating the global sale of Iranian and Russian oil and other goods. They accuse him of leveraging personal relationships and corruption in Tehran to generate tens of billions of dollars in profits, much of which supposedly supports the Iranian regime.

    The new sanctions target 15 shipping companies, 52 vessels, 12 individuals, and 53 entities involved in sanctions evasion across 17 countries, from Panama to Italy and Hong Kong. A US official noted that these measures will make it significantly harder for Iran to export oil, though they don’t anticipate causing long-term disruptions to global markets. Iran’s oil exports have already declined to about 1.2 million barrels per day from 1.8 million earlier this year, following previous sanctions on its oil sector. The official added, “We’re still working on additional measures to push that number lower,” recalling that during Trump’s first term, exports were reduced to just a few hundred thousand barrels a day.

    Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson, Esmaeil Baghaei, described the sanctions as “a clear example of America’s hostility toward the Iranian people,” according to the country’s Student News Network. He argued they’re “an evil act designed to harm Iran’s economic growth and the welfare of its citizens.” China remains Iran’s largest customer for oil.

    Earlier in July, the European Union also sanctioned Shamkhani over his role in the Russian oil trade. A US official emphasized that while the current action impacts both Russia and Iran, the primary focus remains on Iran. “Given his connection to the Supreme Leader and his father’s prior sanctions, this is fundamentally an Iran-focused measure — significant and impactful,” they stated. Ali Shamkhani, his father, was sanctioned by the US in 2020.

    As hopes for renewed diplomatic negotiations between the US and Iran wane, following last month’s US bombing of Iranian nuclear sites, tensions remain high. Trump warned on Monday that further US strikes could follow if Iran attempts to restart the targeted nuclear sites. He also claimed Iran has been signaling hostility and vowed to suppress any plans to resume nuclear activity.

    Before the June airstrikes, the US had held five rounds of negotiations with Iran. Trump alleged these strikes “destroyed” a nuclear program that Iran and Israel deny pursuing any such weapons. There is ongoing debate among experts regarding the extent of the damage done. A senior White House official last week affirmed that the US is still open to direct talks, though European and Iranian diplomats believe Tehran is unlikely to re-engage any time soon.

  • Iran and Europe Engage in “Frank” Nuclear Talks as UN Sanctions Loom

    Iran and Europe Engage in “Frank” Nuclear Talks as UN Sanctions Loom

    Iran announced it will proceed with nuclear negotiations alongside European countries after “serious, open, and detailed” discussions on Friday, marking the first face-to-face meeting since Israel and the U.S. conducted strikes last month. Prior to this gathering in Istanbul, Iran dismissed calls to extend the UN resolution that ratified the 2015 nuclear deal, which is now approaching its expiration. The deal aimed to restrict Iran’s nuclear activities in exchange for sanctions relief.

    Delegates from the European Union and the E3 group—comprising France, Britain, and Germany—met Iranian representatives for roughly four hours at Iran’s consulate. The UN nuclear watchdog suggested this could pave the way for renewed inspections in Iran. Afterward, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi stated that both sides shared specific proposals concerning sanctions relief and nuclear matters. He emphasized that Iran criticized Western positions on recent aggression against its people and clarified its own stance, including on the “snapback” mechanism. Both sides agreed to continue consultations on these issues.

    The remaining parties to the 2015 agreement—China, Russia, and the E3 countries—are working to prevent the full expiration of the deal on October 18, when UN sanctions are set to lift unless the snapback mechanism is triggered beforehand. This process would automatically reimpose sanctions targeting sectors like energy, banking, and defense, should Iran fail to meet commitments. Diplomats have set a deadline at the end of August to rejuvenate diplomacy, with hopes that Iran will take tangible steps to secure an extension of up to six more months.

    To do so, Iran must commit to critical issues: engaging in negotiations with Washington, fully cooperating with the IAEA, and accounting for 400 kilograms of highly enriched uranium, believed to be near-weapons grade, whose whereabouts have been unknown since last month’s strikes. Iran’s foreign ministry has dismissed discussions about extending the UN resolution as “meaningless and baseless.” Meanwhile, IAEA director Rafael Grossi remains optimistic about restoring nuclear inspections this year and stressed the importance of resolving technical issues now. He noted that discussions should consider Iran’s perspective on necessary precautions.

    Before the recent strikes, the U.S. held five rounds of talks with Iran, with President Donald Trump claiming that these efforts had “obliterated” Iran’s nuclear program, which Washington and Israel allege is aimed at developing nuclear weapons. However, NBC News reports that current and former U.S. officials indicate that while most damage was done to one of three targeted nuclear sites, the other two sites were not as severely impacted. Iran continues to deny seeking nuclear weapons, asserting its program is solely for civilian purposes.

  • Iran Announces New Nuclear Negotiations with Europe: Reports

    Iran Announces New Nuclear Negotiations with Europe: Reports

    Iran Engages in New Nuclear Talks with European Powers


    Photos of Iranian military leaders, nuclear scientists, and others who have died in Israeli airstrikes are displayed at Behesht Zahra Cemetery in southern Tehran, Iran, on July 11, 2025. — Reuters

    • Western nations and Israel claim Iran is pursuing nuclear weapons.
    • The E3 warns of possible sanctions if Iran does not return to negotiations.
    • Discussions will focus on Iran’s nuclear program, according to a foreign ministry spokesperson.

    BERLIN: Iran has confirmed that it will participate in new discussions with European powers on Friday in Istanbul, marking the first negotiations since the United States targeted Iranian nuclear facilities a month ago.

    Iranian diplomats are set to meet with representatives from the E3—Britain, France, and Germany—after these countries issued a warning that sanctions might be reinstated if Iran fails to re-engage in talks regarding its nuclear program.

    Western nations and Israel have long accused Iran of attempting to develop nuclear weapons, a claim that Tehran has continuously denied.

    “In response to the request from European countries, Iran has agreed to initiate a new round of discussions,” stated Esmail Baghai, the foreign ministry spokesperson, as reported by state media.

    The main topic for negotiation will be Iran’s nuclear program.

    A German diplomatic source informed AFP on Sunday that the E3 countries are in touch with Tehran and stressed, “Iran should never be allowed to acquire a nuclear weapon.”

    “This is why Germany, France, and the United Kingdom are continuing to work diligently within the E3 framework to identify a sustainable and verifiable diplomatic resolution to Iran’s nuclear program,” the source added.

    Israel conducted a series of surprise strikes on June 13, targeting significant military and nuclear sites in Iran.

    The United States followed up with its own military actions, hitting the uranium enrichment facility at Fordo in Qom Province, as well as nuclear sites in Isfahan and Natanz, on June 22.

    Kremlin Meeting

    Before the onset of Israel’s 12-day conflict with Iran, several rounds of nuclear negotiations took place between Iran and the United States, facilitated by Oman.

    However, the discussions were effectively halted when U.S. President Donald Trump decided to support Israel’s attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities.

    The last meeting between the E3 countries and Iranian representatives occurred in Geneva on June 21, just a day prior to the U.S. airstrikes.

    Also on Sunday, Russian President Vladimir Putin met unexpectedly in the Kremlin with Ali Larijani, a key advisor to Iran’s supreme leader on nuclear issues.

    Larijani “provided insights into the escalating situation in the Middle East and around Iran’s nuclear program,” according to Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov.

    Putin reiterated Russia’s “established positions on stabilizing the regional situation as well as on the political resolution of the Iranian nuclear program,” Peskov revealed.

    While Moscow maintains a friendly relationship with Iran’s clerical leadership, it has not strongly aligned itself with Iran amidst the ongoing U.S.-Israeli hostilities.

    Snapback Mechanism

    In 2015, Iran and world powers reached an agreement known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which imposed significant restrictions on Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief.

    However, the agreement began to deteriorate in 2018 when the United States withdrew from it and reinstated sanctions on Iran.

    Recently, European nations have threatened to activate the deal’s “snapback” mechanism, which permits the reimposition of sanctions if Iran fails to comply.

    Following a conversation with his European counterparts on Friday, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that the Western allies had “no moral or legal basis” for reactivating snapback sanctions.

    He elaborated further in a social media post on Sunday.

    “By supporting the recent unprovoked and illegal military actions of the Israeli regime and the U.S., the E3 have forfeited their role as ‘Participants’ in the JCPOA,” Araghchi remarked.

    As a result, any effort to reinstate the previously abandoned UN Security Council resolutions would be deemed “null and void,” he added.

    “Iran has demonstrated its ability to counter any misguided attempts, yet it remains prepared to engage in genuine diplomacy in good faith,” Araghchi wrote.

    However, a German source mentioned on Sunday that “if a resolution is not achieved during the summer, snapback remains an option for the E3.”

    Ali Velayati, an advisor to supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, indicated last week that there would be no new talks with the United States if they were contingent upon Tehran ceasing its uranium enrichment activities.