Iran nuclear policy unchanged
Ahead of the Friday talks with the European troika in Istanbul, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi emphasized that Tehran’s position regarding its nuclear program remains unchanged.
US-Israeli Gaza genocide
Israeli forces massacre more civilians in the Gaza Strip, as the regime’s indiscriminate strikes pound various areas across the besieged territory. Several Palestinians, including children, were killed, and many others injured, after multiple Israeli drone strikes targeted civilians in the Sheikh Radwan neighborhood of Gaza City. Earlier, nearly half a dozen people were killed, and many others wounded when an airstrike hit a civilian vehicle in the same neighborhood. Four members of the same family were killed when their home was targeted in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza. According to Gaza's medical sources, a 10-year-old girl died from starvation and severe malnutrition on Thursday. Another Palestinian journalist was also killed after his family's tent was bombed in the Yarmouk area, in central Gaza. His death increased the number of journalists killed in Gaza since October 2023, to nearly 230. The death toll from the Israeli genocide is now nearing 59,600, with about 143,500 others injured.
Gaza ceasefire talks
Hamas has reacted to the US claim that the group has stalled Gaza ceasefire talks. The resistance movement rejected the US special envoy’s allegations that it lacked the will to reach an agreement. Hamas said since the start of the negotiations, it has engaged with full responsibility and high flexibility on all issues. The group added that it is genuinely committed to the success of mediation efforts. Hamas stressed that it is keen to reach an agreement that halts the Israeli aggression, and ends the suffering of the people of Gaza. The movement noted that it submitted its final response after extensive consultations with Palestinian factions, mediators, and friendly nations. It stressed that Steve Witkoff’s remarks contradict the position of the mediators, who welcomed its constructive and positive position. Hamas’ statement came after Witkoff said he is withdrawing from ceasefire talks, accusing Hamas of not "acting in good faith." Hamas says it will only agree to a ceasefire that halts Israel’s aggression, but the regime insists on continuing its genocidal war even after an exchange of captives.