Iran has described the recent deal to end the Middle East war as "a declaration of America's defeat". This statement was made as the US Secretary of State kicked off a tour of Gulf countries that were hit hardest by Tehran. Iran's top negotiator emphasized that security in the Middle East must be ensured by countries in the region, rather than relying on external powers.
The US and Iran signed an agreement last week, launching a process aimed at reaching a permanent settlement. The Islamic republic's leadership has undergone transformation, but the system of rule remains firmly in place. The deal was finalized through Pakistan's mediation, and Iran's top negotiator attributed the agreement to the resistance and authority of the Iranian nation, rather than pressure and coercion.
Meanwhile, Israel's Defence Minister has stated that the country will not withdraw its military forces from southern Lebanon, even if the US demands it. This decision is due to concerns about the safety of Israeli soldiers and the potential for roadside bombs and attacks. The Defence Minister cited the experiences of the past, where the presence of civilian populations in security zones led to such incidents.
The International Atomic Energy Agency is set to inspect Iranian nuclear sites under the terms of the agreement between Iran and the US. However, the timing of these inspections is still uncertain. The director general of the IAEA has stated that the inspections will happen, but the exact date is not crucial. The agreement explicitly states that the IAEA will supervise nuclear activities at Iranian facilities.
The US Secretary of State has met with the President of the United Arab Emirates to discuss the agreement with Iran and reassure Gulf allies about the deal. The two leaders talked about ensuring safe transit through the Strait of Hormuz and the importance of peace and stability in the region. The Secretary of State thanked the UAE for their support and reaffirmed the US commitment to the security of the Emirates.
