Middle East: US-Iran talks remain indirect as Netanyahu rejects Gaza plan

Tensions and diplomatic shifts continue across the Middle East. US President Donald Trump stated his administration is conducting only ‘partial’ negotiations with Tehran amid increasing economic pressure on Iran. Conversely, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi clarified that Tehran is not currently negotiating directly with the US, but rather communicating through mediators to establish conditions for potential talks.

In Gaza, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected a 15-point peace plan proposed by Donald Trump. Netanyahu asserted that Israeli forces will not withdraw until Hamas is completely disarmed.

Other regional developments include: • Iran and Oman have reached the final stages of discussions regarding a new maritime route in the Strait of Hormuz, though officials noted this does not imply a reopening of the strategic strait. • In Iran, Mohsen Rezaei has been appointed as the secretary of the Supreme National Security Council by Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei. • A Houthi airstrike on the port of al-Makha in Yemen resulted in at least seven deaths.