Trump and Iran issue conflicting statements about new talks

Key Points:

• Top Democrats on House Armed Services and Foreign Affairs Committees expressed skepticism over the Trump administration's optimism about Iran agreeing to the terms of a memorandum of understanding, citing insufficient evidence and information from briefings.
• Iran's deputy foreign minister stated that Iran alone will conduct mine removal in the Strait of Hormuz, rejecting French President Macron's suggestion of international cooperation, emphasizing Iran's control over the strategic waterway amid ongoing tensions.
• Despite US President Trump's announcement of a meeting with Iran in Doha, Iranian officials denied any scheduled negotiation meetings this week, emphasizing focus on implementing the memorandum's provisions rather than final agreement talks.
• Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed Israel's intent to remain in southern Lebanon until Hezbollah is disarmed, with US backing, while Lebanon's Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri criticized the US-brokered Israel-Lebanon agreement as unbalanced and potentially destabilizing.
• Maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remains fragile but is cautiously increasing, with both Iran and the US maintaining a delicate ceasefire after recent exchanges of fire; oil prices have remained relatively stable due to ample supply and reduced demand despite ongoing regional tensions.