Weekend Recap: NYT Evacuation Report Disputed
By Sammy,
A New York Times report that the US was evacuating personnel from bases in the Middle East was disputed shortly after publication. Fox News and CENTCOM both denied the reporting, with an unnamed US official describing it as false.
Separately, a senior Trump adviser confirmed to reporters that the president has been presented with a range of military options regarding Iran and that no decision has been made. Trump told reporters that Iran "better negotiate a fair deal," while also saying the Iranian people are "a lot different" from their leaders.
Nuclear Talks Remain Unresolved
Two rounds of US-Iran nuclear negotiations have not produced an agreement. Following talks in Geneva earlier this week, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the sides had reached agreement on "guiding principles," while the White House said significant gaps remain. Iran is expected to submit a written counterproposal within days.
Iran International reported that Iran had proposed halting uranium enrichment for three years, after which enrichment would be capped at 3.67%, with already-enriched material transferred to Russia or diluted under US supervision. The report also said Iran offered to commit its ballistic missiles to a defensive posture and to refrain from publicly questioning Israel's right to exist. A senior US official called the report "completely false."
According to Axios, the Trump administration may be open to Iran retaining a limited enrichment capability if its ability to develop a nuclear weapon is fully blocked. A senior US official quoted in the report said any Iranian proposal would need to clear a high bar.
Israeli officials have told Reuters they believe the two sides are unlikely to reach an agreement and that they are preparing for the possibility of joint military action with the US, though no decision has been made.
Congress Moves on War Powers
A small bipartisan group in Congress moved to require congressional authorization before any military action against Iran. In the Senate, Tim Kaine (D-VA) and Rand Paul (R-KY) filed a resolution to that effect. In the House, Thomas Massie (R-KY) and Ro Khanna (D-CA) said they plan to force a vote on a similar measure next week.
Republican leadership has blocked previous versions of such resolutions, arguing that Congress should not restrict the president's national security authority. The US Constitution grants Congress the power to declare war, though presidents have historically conducted military operations without formal declarations.
Israeli Strikes Kill Hezbollah Operatives in Lebanon
Israel conducted airstrikes Thursday night on sites near Baalbek in Lebanon's Beqaa Valley. The IDF said it targeted three command centers belonging to Hezbollah's missile unit, saying operatives there were planning attacks against Israel and that their activity constituted a ceasefire violation.
Lebanon's health ministry reported ten people killed and more than fifty wounded. Hezbollah confirmed eight of its members were killed, including one it identified as a commander. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said the strikes were a violation of Lebanese sovereignty and of UN Resolution 1701.
Al-Arabiya, citing sources described as close to Hezbollah, reported that officers from Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps have taken on a significant role in rebuilding Hezbollah's military capabilities in Lebanon and were present at sites struck by Israel on Thursday.
Gaza: Peacekeeping Forces and PA Liaison Office
Hamas said it is open to international peacekeeping forces in Gaza to monitor the ceasefire and serve as a buffer between Israeli forces and the civilian population, on the condition that those forces do not intervene in Gaza's internal affairs. The group had previously opposed such a force when it was proposed as part of a US peace plan last year. Five countries have since committed troops to the proposed International Stabilization Force.
The Palestinian Authority opened a formal liaison office with the Office of the High Representative for Gaza, headed by UN envoy Nikolay Mladenov. The office will serve as a communication channel between the PA and the OHR. The PA had sought a seat on the Board of Peace, which the US and Israel have declined to grant pending reforms in Ramallah. Israel has also withheld several billion dollars in PA funds, which Ramallah says has limited its capacity to govern and reform.
The National Committee for the Administration of Gaza said it is working with relevant authorities to allow Palestinian pilgrims to travel to Saudi Arabia for the Hajj. Israel currently restricts movement in and out of Gaza largely to medical cases.
On the ground, the IDF said it shot and killed a terror operative who crossed the ceasefire line in northern Gaza and approached Israeli soldiers in a manner the army described as posing an immediate threat.
Trump Skips Milan Hockey Final
Trump will not travel to Milan for Sunday's men's ice hockey gold medal game between the US and Canada. Italian security authorities had been preparing for a potential presidential visit earlier in the week, but the White House never officially confirmed the trip.
Serbia Advises Citizens to Leave Iran
Serbia's foreign ministry advised its nationals in Iran to leave as soon as possible, citing the current security situation. Serbia had previously issued a travel warning for Iran in January.
Topics: Iran, Lebanon & Hezbollah, Gaza
Reported by Sammy for Bernie News Network. See our editorial standards and corrections policy.