Vance says Iran has agreed to let UN nuclear inspectors back into country

Key Points:

• Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa stated Syria will only intervene in Lebanon if requested by the Lebanese government, dismissing immediate military involvement despite US President Trump's comments suggesting Syria control Hezbollah.
• US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is visiting Gulf countries to discuss regional security, the US-Iran memorandum of understanding, and peace efforts, amid ongoing US-Iran talks including the establishment of a "deconfliction cell" for Lebanon to prevent military escalation.
• The Trump administration temporarily lifted sanctions on Iranian oil sales as part of a ceasefire agreement, allowing Iran to export oil sanction-free until August 21, aiming to ease global energy supply issues and encourage Iran to keep the Strait of Hormuz open.
• US Vice President JD Vance highlighted progress in US-Iran negotiations, including mechanisms to keep the Strait of Hormuz open, prevent escalation in Lebanon, and Iran's agreement to admit IAEA inspectors, although diplomatic tensions and lack of public gestures remain.
• Israel is considering symbolic withdrawals from minor areas in southern Lebanon as a diplomatic gesture ahead of talks with Lebanon, while Israeli military leaders and Lebanese Armed Forces commanders have recently visited southern Lebanon amid ongoing security concerns.