Washington [US], July 3: The door to diplomacy in the Gaza Strip has opened again with US President Donald Trump's proposal for a 60-day ceasefire, while the Iran nuclear issue shows no signs of cooling down.
Iran stops cooperation with IAEA
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on July 2 formally approved a law passed by Iran's parliament last month to suspend cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). According to Reuters, the law stipulates that any future inspections of Iran 's nuclear sites by the IAEA must be approved by Tehran's Supreme National Security Council. Iran is also considering a travel ban on IAEA Director Rafael Grossi, according to the Mehr News Agency. The information came after Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi on July 1 expressed Iran's deep distrust of the United States, criticizing the "destructive approach" of some European countries and Mr. Grossi regarding the 12-day conflict between Israel and Iran.
Commenting on the above information, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar condemned Iran's statement. "This is a complete abandonment of all international nuclear obligations and commitments by Iran. The international community must act decisively now and use all possible means to stop Iran's nuclear ambitions," Mr. Sa'ar wrote on the X platform on July 2. Meanwhile, sources said that US Special Envoy for the Middle East Steven Witkoff will hold talks with Iranian officials in the coming days to seek the possibility of reaching an agreement on Iran's nuclear program.
In another development, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi acknowledged that the recent US bombing of Iran's key Fordow nuclear facility had caused "serious and heavy" damage. "The Atomic Energy Organization of Iran is conducting an assessment and evaluation, and the report will be submitted to the government," Araqchi told CBS News. Earlier, US President Donald Trump asserted that the country's airstrikes had "completely destroyed" Iran's nuclear program.
Gaza ceasefire imminent?
In another development, President Trump announced on July 1 that Israel had agreed to the necessary conditions to complete a 60-day ceasefire and hostage exchange in Gaza. "During this time, Israel and the parties will try to completely end the war that has lasted more than a year and a half in this land," the US leader said. Mr. Trump also warned Hamas that the group's situation would get worse if they refused to accept the US-backed ceasefire proposal. For his part, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar said: "The majority of the government and the people support the plan to rescue the hostages. If there is an opportunity, we will not miss it."
Meanwhile, Hamas said on July 2 that it was ready to sign a ceasefire agreement with Israel, but did not accept the proposal proposed by President Trump. Hamas official Taher al-Nunu stressed that "any initiative must completely end the fighting in Gaza." According to AP, the Hamas delegation is expected to meet with Egyptian and Qatari mediators in Cairo on July 2 to further discuss the draft proposal.
On the battlefield, Israel continued its relentless airstrikes on the Gaza Strip, killing more than 30 Palestinians on July 2. In addition, humanitarian concerns in Gaza are growing as more than 170 non-governmental organizations on July 1 called for the dissolution of the US- and Israel-backed Gaza Humanitarian Fund (GHF). The number of people who have died while waiting for food at GHF branches has now risen to more than 600, according to Al Jazeera. Israel has not commented on the above information.
Source: Thanh Nien Newspaper
