[ANALYSIS] Iranian War Day 98: Trump warns of military option as negotiations efforts continue

OVERVIEW

US President Trump said talks with Iran were going well and suggested he would be honoured to meet Iran’s Supreme Leader if a deal is reached.
Washington reportedly demanded Tehran provide a response before the end of the week and warned of either an agreement or military action.
Iran continued to insist on access to frozen assets and linked regional stability to developments in Lebanon.
Hezbollah rejected the Washington-backed Lebanon agreement and continued attacks against Israeli targets.

Trump said talks with Iran are going well.
Trump said he would be honoured to meet Iran’s Supreme Leader if a deal is reached.
Al Hadath, citing Israeli Channel 12, reported Washington demanded Tehran provide its response before the end of the week.
Washington reportedly informed Tehran that the signing ceremony would take place in Switzerland.
Washington reportedly warned Tehran it faced either an agreement or a military strike.
Pakistan's Interior Minister met his Iranian counterpart in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, for the second time within 24 hours, Al Arabiya reported.

Trump said the US does not need help from European countries regarding Hormuz.
Trump reiterated that almost all of Iran’s leadership has been wiped out and that Iran has no navy or air force.
Trump said if Iran killed US troops, the war would restart quickly.
Trump said the Israel-Lebanon conflict is interconnected with Iran.
Trump said progress has been made regarding Lebanon.
The State Department issued a security alert for all Middle Eastern countries due to the potential for hostilities.
A US official told Al Jazeera that the ceasefire with Iran remains in place.
The official said the US would continue protecting its forces and maintaining the blockade on ports.
The official stated there is an open shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz.
The official added that approximately 1,000 ships have crossed the Strait of Hormuz since the ceasefire took effect on 8 April.
An Israeli official, cited by the Israeli Broadcasting Authority, said Washington would understand Israel’s position if the Lebanon agreement is not implemented.
The House rejected a Lebanon War Powers Resolution by a vote of 324-92.

Foreign Minister Araghchi said Iran has documents and evidence showing Kuwaiti airspace has been used regularly against Iran.
Araghchi said Iran and Oman will regulate management of the Strait of Hormuz based on international law standards.
Araghchi said the Strait of Hormuz lies within the territorial waters of Iran and Oman.
Araghchi stated that US bases in the region are targets for retaliation.
Deputy Foreign Minister Gharibabadi said Iran insists that 50% of its frozen assets be made available immediately upon signing an MoU.
Advisor to the Supreme Leader Rezaei said Trump is attempting to pressure Iran into accepting US conditions.
Rezaei said the current draft contains ambiguities that must be clarified.
Rezaei said Iran will stand firmly with Hezbollah in Lebanon.
Rezaei added that Iran will not hesitate to defend its interests and security.
The IRGC said Iran’s initial condition for accepting a regional ceasefire was a ceasefire on all fronts, including Lebanon.
The IRGC said the region will never be stable unless Israel withdraws from Lebanon.

Oman suspended crude oil loading at the Mina Al-Fahal terminal following an explosion.
Sources said a drone attack was suspected to be the cause.
This morning, Oman’s main crude export terminal (the Mina Al Fahal port) has resumed operations. Oman Oil Development Company confirms that operations at Al Fahal Port are continuing normally.
A US official said there is an open shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz.
Lloyd’s List Intelligence, via CNBC, reported that nearly 40 ships previously stranded in the Persian Gulf have exited through the Strait of Hormuz over the past three weeks while coordinating with the US Navy.

Hezbollah informed Lebanese authorities of its rejection of the Washington agreement between Lebanon and Israel, according to Al Araby TV, citing Hezbollah leadership.
Hezbollah claimed drone and missile attacks against Israeli bases.
Hezbollah stated that six (IDF) Merkava tanks were destroyed in Lebanon, according to Fars.
Israeli forces struck a tent shelter in Khan Younis, killing one person.