Iran to present counter-proposal in nuclear talks with US
Iran is to present a counter-proposal in nuclear talks with the US, with the Omani-mediated negotiations at an impasse.
Washington last month submitted a proposal for a new nuclear deal, but Tehran deemed it "unacceptable". Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei dismissed the proposal, saying it was against Iranian interests.
"We will present our own proposal to the other side via Oman after it is finalised. This proposal is reasonable, logical and balanced," Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said in a weekly press conference.
"We must ensure, before the lifting of sanctions, that Iran will effectively benefit economically and that its banking and trade relations with other countries will return to normal."
There was no clarity yet on the timing of a sixth round of nuclear talks, he added.
Iran and the US have held five rounds of talk, but have so far failed to come to an agreement. European powers are expected to push for a resolution, condemning Iran's behaviour at a meeting of the UN's nuclear watchdog on Monday.
The talks, mediated by Oman, aim to replace the 2015 agreement between Iran and world powers that restricted Iran's nuclear activities in return for sanctions relief. US President Donald Trump withdrew the US from the accord in 2018, during his first term.
Mr Trump has insisted that Iran fully abandon its uranium enrichment programme. Mr Khamenei has said that is a red line.
Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf on Sunday said "the US plan does not even mention the lifting of sanctions". He called it a sign of dishonesty, accusing the US of seeking to impose a "unilateral" agreement that Tehran would not accept. "The delusional US President should know better and change his approach if he is really looking for a deal," Mr Ghalibaf added.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Khaleej Times
37 minutes ago
- Khaleej Times
Dubai Metro Blue Line: First station, train capacity, key features explained
Dubai Metro is speeding towards its newest network, the Blue Line, with new details revealed Monday. With its futuristic design, the world's highest metro station, and the first Metro line crossing Dubai Creek, the anticipation is real. With just 4 years away to open, the new network links the Green Line and Red Line. It will connect residential areas to Dubai International Airport in just 20 minutes, and reduce traffic congestion by 20 per cent along the roads served by the Blue Line. It also connects to the Dubai Silicon Oasis, a major urban hub. The Dubai Ruler laid the foundation stone today, marking a new chapter in the emirate's transport sector. From route to design, parking to key elements; here's all you need to know. Stations, route The Blue Line will link to the Red Line at Centrepoint Station, and the Green Line at Creek Station. It consists of 14 stations, divided between two routes. Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. The first route, with 10 stations, starts from the Green Line's Creek station, and passes through Dubai Festival City, Dubai Creek Harbour, Ras Al Khor, before reaching International City 1, which includes an underground interchange station. The route continues towards International City 2 and 3, extending to Dubai Silicon Oasis and up to Academic City. The second route, with four stations, starts at Red Line's Centrepoint station, passes through Mirdif and Al Warqa, concluding at International City 1 Interchange Station. Easing congestion, connecting communities The Blue Line is not just another innovation; it is strategically crafted to serve residents where they most need it. Reducing travel time, easing congestion, and connecting vital areas to each other, the new network seeks to make life easier for daily commuters — students being a key demographic. The Blue Line connects to Dubai Academy City, which is projected to accommodate over 50,000 university students by 2029, and Dubai Silicon Oasis, one of the emirate's major urban centres. The new line will cut traffic congestion on its served routes by 20 per cent. Providing a direct connection between Dubai International Airport and nine key areas, travel will only take between 10 and 25 minutes. The project also serves the aspirations of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, which aims to create a '20-minute city.' This concept ensures that more than 80 per cent of essential services are within a 20-minute travel time for residents. Size, passenger capacity The Dubai Metro Blue Line spans 30km, with 21km in its first route, and 9km in the second. With the completion of the project, Dubai's total rail network will expand to a total of 131 km, comprising 78 stations and 168 trains. It can carry a maximum of over 850,000 passengers per day, based on the scale of the stations. By 2030, riders are expected to reach 200,000 per day rising to 320,000 daily commuters by 2040. Naming rights, first station A station on the Blue Line could be named after your business. During the groundbreaking ceremony, it was announced that Emaar had secured the naming rights for the first station, Emaar Properties, for ten years, starting from its official inauguration in 2029. The next phase will include announcements regarding naming rights for other stations along the Blue Line. The first station on the network is also the world's highest metro station, designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), the renowned American architectural firm behind Burj Khalifa. Integrating natural light through glass ceilings on towering walls, earthy tones, and a fusion of stone and metal, the design fuses the old and the new. Its innovative look embodies the Dubai vision of a 'gateway to the future.' Community oriented-features The stations have parking spaces, electric scooter racks, taxi stands, and areas for private car drop off and pick-up, along with accessible parking spaces for People of Determination. It also provides charging points for electric vehicles, and is designed to seamlessly integrate with other modes of transport. The Blue Line has nine elevated stations and five underground stations. The exterior design of the elevated stations was inspired by the shape of a seashell, while the interior design of the stations reflects seven thematic models: Heritage, Earth, Air, Fire, and Water. Economic benefits By 2040, the project is projected to yield a benefit-cost ratio of 2.60 (Dh2.60 in benefits for every Dh1 spent). The total anticipated benefits will exceed Dh56.5 billion by 2040. These benefits include substantial savings in time and fuel, reduced accident-related fatalities, and lower carbon emissions. The Blue Line is also expected to appreciate the value of land and properties near stations by up to 25 per cent. The network is also the first transport project in Dubai to fully comply with green building standards, achieving Platinum Category certification.
Khaleej Times
37 minutes ago
- Khaleej Times
Golden Visas, contests: How Dubai attracted over 350 gaming firms
Hundreds of game developing companies have set up their bases in Dubai after the emirate announced a specialised programme for the industry. The city is now home to more than 350 companies, with 260 of them categorised as specialised game developers. Launched in November 2023, the Dubai Programme for Gaming 2033 (DPG33) has seen more than 60 new companies established in the emirate, of which 12 per cent are large global companies. This marks a 16.6 per cent growth rate in the number of companies in the industry since the launch of the programme. The gaming industry has emerged as one of Dubai's most promising economic sectors in recent years. Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum launched the DPG33 to position Dubai among the world's top 10 global gaming hubs over the next decade, with 30,000 new jobs and a $1 billion boost to GDP by 2033. The programme is overseen by Dubai Future Foundation (DFF). According to Khalfan Belhoul, CEO of DFF, the gaming sector 'holds unprecedented economic potential', and Dubai will offer opportunities to innovators and creators. 'The industry offers a wealth of unprecedented opportunities thanks to the supportive ecosystem for entrepreneurs and innovative ideas in advanced technology sectors, particularly game development, which is a key driver in enhancing Dubai's global competitiveness and in achieving the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda,' he said. Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. As part of DPG33, Dubai offers a gaming residency to deserving candidates. As part of this, a gaming certification and long-term residency is granted to accomplished and talented professionals in the video game industry. In September last year, the UAE's 10-year Golden Visa programme was expanded to include top gamers, content creators, and industry professionals. As part of these efforts, several events and competitions have been held in Dubai this year. Last month, Dubai Police collaborated with the Dubai Esports and Games Festival to conduct a competition where participants were tasked with creating a game to win a portion of the Dh10,000 prize pool. In April, over 800 C-Suite executives and enthusiasts from 32 countries gathered for a gaming convention in the emirate.
UAE Moments
an hour ago
- UAE Moments
UAE President Checks on Emirati Pilgrims' Welfare During Haj
UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan made a phone call on Thursday to check on the welfare of Emirati pilgrims currently performing Hajj in Saudi Arabia. The call was a warm gesture to congratulate the pilgrims for completing their spiritual journey and to wish them good health on Eid Al-Adha. Read More: UAE Families Welcome Newborns on Eid Al Adha 2025 Praise for Saudi Arabia's Hajj Services During the conversation, His Highness also commended Saudi Arabia for the high-quality services and facilities provided to pilgrims. He highlighted the kingdom's role in ensuring a safe and comfortable pilgrimage experience for all. Read More: Where to Watch Eid Al Adha 2025 Fireworks Across the UAE UAE Pilgrims Affairs Office Thanks President for Support The call was directed to His Excellency Dr Omar Habtoor Al Darei, Chairman of the General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat, who also heads the UAE Pilgrims Affairs Office. Dr Al Darei expressed gratitude for the President's continuous attention to Emirati citizens, both within the country and abroad. He thanked His Highness for the strong backing of the Pilgrims Affairs Office, which allows the team to effectively serve the pilgrims and make their Hajj journey smooth and secure.
