Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva said on Thursday (local time) that he had once again shown US President Donald Trump the 2010 Iran nuclear deal negotiated by Brazil and Turkey, arguing it proved that diplomacy could work in addressing concerns over Iran’s nuclear programme. Speaking at a press conference in Washington after meeting Trump, Lula said this was the second time he had personally shared the agreement, which was intended to resolve tensions over Iran’s nuclear activities.

He stated, “I handed it to Trump once again. For the second time, I presented him with the agreement that Brazil and Turkey brokered in 2010 regarding the Iranian nuclear issue.” Lula explained that Brazil and Turkey had persuaded Iran to agree to a revised arrangement aimed at preventing the development of nuclear weapons. He also expressed regret that, after the deal was reached, the international response shifted, with the Obama administration, the European Union, and other powers increasing pressure on Iran.

“We, Brazil and Turkey, managed to convince Iran to accept a revised agreement regarding the non-production of nuclear weapons. I handed President Trump the agreement we reached in 2010. Regrettably, when we finalised that agreement, I do not know why Obama and the European Union—and the rest of the world—decided to ramp up the pressure on Iran,” he said.

He added that the lack of recognition for the agreement may have been due to the fact that it was negotiated by developing countries rather than major global powers, saying, “Possibly because the parties who had brokered the deal were ‘Third World’ nations—countries that do not belong to the elite club of global powers.”

The remarks came after Lula’s meeting with Trump at the White House, where both leaders discussed bilateral issues such as trade and tariffs. Trump later said on Truth Social that the talks were positive and that further discussions between officials from both countries would take place in the coming months.

The 2010 joint declaration by Brazil, Turkey, and Iran aimed to reduce tensions over Iran’s nuclear programme while reaffirming Iran’s right to peaceful nuclear energy under the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). It involved Iran agreeing to transfer 1,200 kilograms of low-enriched uranium to Turkey, with assurances that it would remain Iranian property under international monitoring.

In exchange, the Vienna Group—comprising the United States, Russia, France, and the IAEA—was expected to supply fuel for the Tehran Research Reactor within a year. The deal also included provisions for Turkey to return Iran’s uranium if conditions were not met. However, despite initial progress, the agreement did not gain lasting support from major Western powers, and sanctions on Iran continued afterward.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Bloomberg.

The fragile ceasefire between the US and Iran remained intact on Tuesday morning following a day of intense confrontations involving commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and missile strikes targeting the United Arab Emirates. Calm gradually returned to the Persian Gulf after US and Iranian forces exchanged fire on Monday, while Tehran also launched missiles and drones toward the UAE in the most serious escalation since the ceasefire was agreed less than a month ago.

The unrest began after US President Donald Trump unveiled “Project Freedom,” described as a humanitarian mission to escort neutral vessels stranded in the Gulf through the Strait of Hormuz. Under this operation, at least two merchant ships crossed the waterway with US support while two American naval vessels entered the Gulf. Iran, however, warned all ships against passing through Hormuz without its approval.

During the tensions, Iran struck a South Korean bulk carrier and targeted an empty tanker owned by the UAE’s state oil company, ADNOC. No injuries were reported on either vessel. According to US Central Command chief Brad Cooper, American forces intercepted Iranian drones, missiles, and armed small boats while ensuring safe passage for the merchant ships. The escalation comes amid continued deadlock between Washington and Tehran, with no immediate prospects for new peace talks. Iran demands that the US lift what it calls a naval blockade of its ports, while Washington argues the restrictions are necessary to curb Iran’s oil exports and pressure its economy.

Analysts view “Project Freedom” as an attempt to ease tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, though they warn it also increases the risk of further escalation. Oil prices fell slightly on Tuesday after rising sharply the previous day, reflecting market uncertainty over the conflict. The UAE reported that it intercepted most of the missiles launched by Iran, marking the first attack on its territory since the ceasefire began. However, three Indian nationals were injured in a strike on an oil facility in Fujairah, and security alerts were issued across major cities including Dubai and Abu Dhabi, with schools shifting to remote learning.

Iran criticized the US initiative as “Project Deadlock,” calling it a violation of the ceasefire, while also stating that Pakistan-mediated diplomatic talks were showing progress. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi emphasized that the crisis cannot be solved militarily and urged all parties, including the US and UAE, to avoid further escalation and political miscalculation.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Bloomberg.

The Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terror network has suffered another significant setback with the death of one of its top commanders, Maulana Salman Azhar, who was reportedly killed under highly suspicious circumstances in Bahawalpur, Pakistan. Azhar, recognized as a close aide to the group’s founder, Masood Azhar, died after being struck by an unidentified vehicle earlier this week.

The incident has sparked widespread speculation, largely because it mirrors a growing trend of high-profile militants dying in unexplained circumstances across Pakistan. Local reports suggest the collision resulted in immediate fatality, yet there has been no official statement or detailed investigation launched by Pakistani authorities regarding the identity of the driver or the motive behind the event. This "hit-and-run" narrative has become a frequent headline for terrorist operatives in the region, leaving many observers to question whether these incidents are the result of internal power struggles or orchestrated operations by unknown actors.

Salman Azhar was considered a critical pillar of the Jaish-e-Mohammed organization, frequently linked to the group’s anti-India propaganda campaigns and long-term operational planning. His death comes on the heels of a long-standing decline for the organization, which has been under intense pressure since mid-2025 following reports of major strikes against the families and inner circles of top-tier leadership. By neutralizing key figures like Azhar, the organization’s ability to coordinate large-scale activities is significantly hampered, creating a leadership vacuum that is increasingly difficult to patch.

Regional security experts view this as a potential turning point for the terror infrastructure operating within Pakistan. The recurring, unexplained nature of these deaths suggests that the security bubble once enjoyed by these militants is rapidly disintegrating. As the organization grapples with the loss of a key commander, intelligence agencies and geopolitical analysts are closely monitoring whether this will lead to further fragmentation of the group or a recalibration of their future strategies.
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The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said on Friday that it conducted airstrikes in southern Lebanon, targeting what it described as militant infrastructure, even though a ceasefire had been announced. The Israeli Air Force said it struck military facilities in the Khirbet Salam and Tulin regions of southern Lebanon. According to the statement, these sites were allegedly being used by Hezbollah to plan and support attacks against Israeli forces and the State of Israel.

The IDF further stated that the strikes were carried out in response to rocket fire launched by Hezbollah toward the Shlomi area the previous night, suggesting that the operation was retaliatory in nature despite ongoing ceasefire discussions. The development comes amid reports that a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon had been extended for an additional three weeks. This followed talks reportedly involving senior officials from both countries and mediated discussions linked to the United States.

At the White House, former US President Donald Trump told reporters that representatives from Israel and Lebanon had agreed to extend the ceasefire. He also said that leaders from both countries were expected to visit the United States in the coming weeks to continue discussions. Trump expressed optimism about the situation, saying that a temporary halt in hostilities had been agreed upon, although he acknowledged that challenges remain, particularly involving Hezbollah. He emphasized hope that the ceasefire would continue, while noting the complexity of achieving lasting calm in the region.

Trump also announced that the ceasefire extension had been agreed upon and said the United States would assist Lebanon in strengthening its ability to counter threats from Hezbollah. He described the meeting between US, Israeli, and Lebanese officials as highly successful and “historic” in nature.

US Vice President JD Vance also commented on the development, calling the extension of the ceasefire a significant achievement. He credited Trump’s direct involvement in facilitating the agreement and described the step as an important move toward reducing tensions in the region.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from X/@IDF.

Jonathan Freedland talks with law professor and author Leah Litman about the recent rulings of the conservative-majority Supreme Court, upcoming cases, and the debate over whether the court is now being seen more as a political body than a purely judicial one.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.

Since the beginning of March, three cabinet secretaries have either resigned or been removed from the US administration. Reports now indicate that additional officials may also be at risk of losing their positions. Jonathan Freedland discusses with MS NOW White House correspondent Laura Barrón-López why Donald Trump appears to be acting with greater decisiveness and severity in his second term.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.

Donald Trump has reportedly ordered a large-scale naval operation in the Strait of Hormuz following unsuccessful peace talks held in Pakistan. The operation is said to target ships moving through Iranian ports in the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. In a related discussion, analysts including Stephen Zunes provided insights on the latest developments, as presenters Andrea Heng and Hairianto Diman examined the situation.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.

As thousands of U.S. troops and marines deploy to the Middle East, Iran accuses Washington of secretly planning a ground attack while publicly promoting ceasefire negotiations. Donald Trump has threatened to “destroy” Iran’s energy infrastructure, stated that he would “prefer to take the oil,” and suggested that U.S. forces could capture the country’s export hub on Kharg Island, all while claiming to be negotiating with a new “reasonable regime.” At the same time, Yemen’s Houthi forces have joined the conflict, raising the risk of further disruptions to the global economy.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.