Talks are progressing for Hamas to declare disarmament, sources say; sources add that talks are also underway to hold a signing ceremony for the understandings in Egypt in the coming days
Newsquawk Staff ·
Talks are progressing for Hamas to declare disarmament, sources say; sources add that talks are also underway to hold a signing ceremony for the understandings in Egypt in the coming days.
What it means
Declarations of disarmament in ceasefire sequences of this kind have historically been the hardest stage to verify and the most prone to slippage: prior rounds in this conflict have repeatedly produced announced understandings, signing ceremonies, and phased frameworks that later stalled over sequencing, with each side disputing who moved first. The distinction worth drawing is between a declaration and verified handover of weapons, since the former has tended to be priced quickly and faded, while the latter is what sustains any de-escalation premium. The established market pattern in comparable episodes is a relief bid in regional risk, softer crude and shipping insurance rates, and a firmer shekel, with reversals on any breakdown in implementation. A signing ceremony in Egypt fits the standard choreography of Egyptian and Qatari mediation, which has been the recurring channel in these negotiations. Sourced 'talks progressing' language without official confirmation is the weakest grade of signal in this sequence and has on past occasions preceded both genuine breakthroughs and collapses within days. The tells to follow are confirmation from the mediators and the parties themselves, the terms on sequencing of disarmament against prisoner exchanges and troop withdrawals, and whether implementation monitors are named.
Sources
- Explosions were reportedly heard in Iran's port city of Sirik, with claims that US forces struck an anti-ship missile launcher targeting vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, Israel's Channel 12 reports
- Iranian missiles were reportedly launched towards the Strait of Hormuz, Sabereen News reports
- US military is reducing troop presence at bases across the Middle East, while the State Department is ordering further staff reductions at diplomatic posts amid regional threats and potential US military action against Iran, NBC News reports
- Iran threatens to target US political figures if strikes resume, Fars News reports
- Newsquawk Daily Asia-Pac Opening News - 22nd October 2026
Related headlines
- US Market Wrap: Stocks gain as tech earnings begin1 hour ago
- US President Trump says on embassy staff told to depart, says don't know that they are; we continue to beat Iran1 hour ago
- US waives Russian diesel tax record requirements for buyers2 hours ago
- In the past few hours, there has apparently been a change in the American position in favour of a pre-emptive strike on Iran, according to a Haaretz correspondent, citing White House sources2 hours ago
- US State Department issued an ordered departure for non-emergency US Government employees and their family members in Saudi Arabia only2 hours ago
- US President Trump says closest they've ever been to settling Ukraine/Russia war2 hours ago
- Two people killed in drone attack on oil wells in Al-Shaybah, reports Fars2 hours ago
- No impact on operations in Saudi Aramco's Shaybah oilfield following drone attack3 hours ago
- Saudi's Energy Ministry says air defences intercept drone attempting to target the facility at Aramco's Shaybah oil field3 hours ago
- Oil tanker being targeted near Iraqi territorial waters, reports Sabren News3 hours ago
- US officials says the US State Department is preparing to issue an ordered departure of some personnel and family members at US embassies across the Gulf3 hours ago
- CRUDE WRAP: WTI (Z6) SETTLES USD 0.67 LOWER AT 97.15/BBL; BRENT (X6) SETTLES USD 0.03 HIGHER AT USD 108.82/BBL3 hours ago
- A few minutes ago, several explosions were heard from Sirik, Iran; the origin and nature of these sounds are still unknown, Fars reports3 hours ago
- Ukrainian President Zelensky says supports US proposal for trilateral talks at level of negotiators as soon as possible; Ukraine hopes for meeting not later than early November; Meeting could discuss peace and possible leaders’ summit3 hours ago
- Saudi-led coalition says it is intercepting a drone launched towards the eastern region, Al Arabiya reports4 hours ago