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US efforts fail to convince Saudi rulers for direct talks with Qatar

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Tillerson Thani

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Tillerson participates in Saudi Arabia-Iraq Coordination meeting in Riyadh

The US mediation efforts have failed to convince Saudi rulers to begin direct talks for resolving Qatar crisis. This was clearly indicated by Secretary of State Rex Tillerson on Sunday while addressing a joint press conference with his Qatari counterpart Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani in Doha.

After spending a day in Riyadh, Tillerson said, “We cannot force talks upon people who are not ready to talk.” He further said, “In my meetings with [Saudi] Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, I asked him to please engage in dialogue, [but] there is not a strong indication that parties are ready to talk yet.”

Tillerson also met Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud and discussed the bilateral and regional issues.

This was Tillerson’s second visit to the region as part of US diplomacy for resolving the Qatar crisis. He said that he is not hopeful that Saudi Arabia is willing to enter discussion to resolve the crisis.

Tillerson who also met Qatari emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani expressed concern about the effect of the crisis on the regional security.

“It’s very important for the GCC to continue to pursue unity. It is most effective when it is unified and none of us can afford to let this dispute linger. We ask that everyone minimises the rhetoric and de-escalate the tensions and take steps to do so,” Tillerson said.

Earlier on Thursday Tillerson told Bloomberg, “There seems to be a real unwillingness on the part of some of the parties to want to engage… It’s up to the leadership of the quartet when they want to engage with Qatar because Qatar has been very clear – they’re ready to engage.”

However, Qatar’s foreign minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani reaffirmed commitment to dialogue and emphasised the need for the crisis to be resolved. He said that Saudi led group was not ready “to tackle with dialogue the reasons for this crisis.”

He expressed frustration over the behaviour of the four blockading countries. He said, “These countries have resorted to undiplomatic tactics that have nothing to do with modern diplomatic lessons, and this is no good.” 

He was equally concerned about the unity among Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). “The GCC is quite important for the collective security and we feel sorry that the GCC will be the victim of the crisis against the state of Qatar,” he said.

He was also of the view that the lingering crisis has affected the collective security of the GCC member states.

Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt and Bahrain had suddenly cut diplomatic ties with Qatar on June 5 and imposed land, air and sea blockade. Saudi Arabia appealed “all brotherly countries” to sever ties with Doha. Kuwait and Oman did not follow Riyadh.

Saudi Arabia has accused Doha of financing “terrorism” and maintaining close ties with its regional rival Iran. However, Qatar denies the allegations.

After the crisis began, Iran has started supplying daily needs to the tiny oil rich country. Tehran also allowed Qatar Airways to use its air space for reaching Central Asia and European countries.

Meanwhile, Lieutenant General Jeffrey Harrigian of US Air Force Central Command, has on Sunday said, “There are no diplomatic issues that are impacting our ability to operate every day from here in our counter-ISIS missions”. Their Command Control headquarters is located just outside Doha at Al-Udeid airbase.   

While in Riyadh, Tillerson also participated in the inaugural meeting of the Saudi Arabia-Iraq Coordination Committee, along with Saudi King Salman and Iraqi PM Haider al-Abadi. Iraq and Saudi Arabia have long been regional rivals.

This is again considered to be aimed to minimise widening Iranian influence in the region. In post 2003 era, Iran and Iraq have emerged to be the best friends.

Iranian military advisors have played important role in Baghdad’s fight against Daesh (IS). Baghdad has, time and again, expressed suspicion on US intentions while fighting IS as US jets were caught on camera throwing arms for the IS terrorist in Iraq.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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Times Square shooting sparks panic in New York, one injured

A shooting in New York’s Times Square left one person injured and caused panic among tourists and commuters before police detained a suspect.

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A shooting in New York City’s Times Square caused panic among hundreds of people on Thursday after gunfire erupted in the crowded entertainment and tourist district. Authorities said one person was injured in the incident, while police quickly detained a suspect and began an investigation.

Videos shared on social media showed people running through the streets and seeking cover as the sound of gunshots echoed through the area. The incident unfolded in one of Manhattan’s busiest locations, which is usually packed with tourists, office workers and commuters.

According to officials, emergency responders reached the scene shortly after the shooting was reported. The injured person was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. Authorities have not immediately released details about the victim’s condition.

Police officers already deployed in the area moved swiftly to secure the location and apprehend a suspect. Investigators are examining the circumstances that led to the shooting and are working to determine whether any other individuals were involved.

Initial reports suggested that the gunfire may have followed an altercation, though officials have not confirmed a motive. The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities are reviewing evidence and witness accounts from the scene.

The shooting drew attention because of its location in Times Square, one of New York City’s most visited landmarks. Despite the brief period of chaos, law enforcement officers were able to restore order and secure the area.

Officials have urged anyone with information about the incident to come forward as investigators continue to piece together the events that led to the shooting.

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US-Iran deal text released: Strait of Hormuz reopening, $300 billion fund and no-nuclear pledge among key provisions

The newly released US-Iran agreement includes provisions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, launching a proposed $300 billion reconstruction fund and advancing negotiations on Iran’s nuclear programme.

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The memorandum of understanding sets out a roadmap for restoring maritime trade, advancing nuclear negotiations and supporting Iran’s economic recovery through a proposed reconstruction fund.

The United States has released the text of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Iran, laying out the framework for ending months of conflict and opening the door to broader negotiations on Tehran’s nuclear programme and economic future. The agreement includes commitments on reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a pledge from Iran not to pursue nuclear weapons, and the creation of a proposed $300 billion reconstruction and development fund.

According to the released text, Iran has agreed to ensure the restoration of commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important energy transit routes. The US, in turn, has committed to lifting its naval blockade and refraining from imposing new sanctions during a 60-day negotiation period aimed at reaching a broader and more comprehensive agreement.

Hormuz reopening central to agreement

A major component of the deal focuses on restoring maritime traffic in the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman. The memorandum calls for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to safe commercial navigation, a move expected to ease concerns in global energy markets after months of disruption.

The agreement also outlines cooperation between both sides to reduce tensions in the region and maintain freedom of navigation through the strategic waterway.

Iran reiterates no-nuclear weapons commitment

The released document states that Iran has reaffirmed its commitment not to develop or acquire nuclear weapons. It also provides for cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and further discussions on the future of Iran’s enriched uranium stockpiles as part of upcoming negotiations.

While the MoU establishes broad principles, several key nuclear issues are expected to be addressed during the 60-day negotiation process that follows the signing of the framework agreement.

$300 billion reconstruction fund proposed

One of the most significant economic elements of the agreement is a proposed $300 billion Reconstruction and Development Fund intended to support Iran’s recovery and investment needs. US officials have said the fund would be financed by private-sector investors and international partners rather than American taxpayers.

Officials have also stressed that access to the fund and broader economic benefits would depend on Iran meeting its commitments under the agreement, including compliance with nuclear-related obligations.

Next phase of negotiations

The memorandum establishes a 60-day period for negotiations on a final agreement covering sanctions, nuclear issues and broader regional security concerns. Both countries have pledged to avoid escalation during this period while working toward a longer-term settlement.

The deal is being viewed as an important step toward reducing tensions in the Middle East, though significant negotiations remain before a permanent agreement can be reached.

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Trump announces interim Iran agreement as peace talks move forward

US President Donald Trump has announced an interim agreement with Iran that seeks to maintain the ceasefire and establish a path toward broader peace negotiations in the Middle East.

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Donald Trump statement

US President Donald Trump has announced that the United States and Iran have signed an interim agreement intended to reduce tensions and support ongoing efforts to end the conflict that has destabilised parts of the Middle East.

According to officials familiar with the development, the agreement is designed to extend the current ceasefire and establish a framework for future negotiations between the two countries. The move is being viewed as a significant diplomatic step after months of heightened regional tensions.

Agreement focuses on ceasefire and future negotiations

Officials said the arrangement is aimed at maintaining stability while both sides work toward a broader and more permanent settlement. The agreement reportedly includes provisions intended to support continued dialogue and reduce the risk of renewed hostilities.

While the development has been welcomed as a positive breakthrough, reports indicate that several key issues remain unresolved and will require further negotiations. As a result, the current understanding is being described as an interim framework rather than a final peace treaty.

Long-term settlement still under discussion

Diplomatic efforts are expected to continue in the coming weeks as negotiators seek to address outstanding concerns and work toward a more comprehensive agreement.

The announcement comes amid international calls for de-escalation in the region and renewed efforts to secure lasting stability through diplomatic engagement.

Analysts say the interim agreement could provide an opportunity for both sides to pursue further talks while reducing immediate security concerns. However, the success of the initiative will largely depend on progress made during future negotiations.

As discussions continue, global attention remains focused on whether the agreement can lead to a durable settlement and contribute to broader peace and stability across the Middle East.

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