Trump says he expects Iran diplomacy to 'work out'
U.S. President Donald Trump voiced hope on Wednesday that diplomatic efforts for a nuclear deal with Iran would succeed, after he held talks with Qatar's emir.
"I have a feeling it's going to work out," Trump said in Doha, following the resumption last month of negotiations with Iran seeking to reach a deal.
AFP
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
LBCI
2 hours ago
- LBCI
Strike talk as leverage: What's driving Israel's messaging on Iran?
Report by Amal Shehadeh, English adaptation by Mariella Succar Despite an agreement with Washington not to strike Iran, Israel continues to promote the need for such an attack, particularly amid Tehran's insistence on continuing uranium enrichment. Israeli concerns will be discussed in Washington by Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer and Mossad Director David Barnea, who are set to meet with U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff ahead of the sixth round of talks with the Iranians, scheduled for Sunday. Despite security and military officials expecting the Israeli delegation to fail in persuading Donald Trump of the need to launch a strike on Iran, sources familiar with the phone call between Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the two leaders are aligned — each for his reasons — in promoting the possibility of such an attack. Trump continues to signal the potential for military action, hoping Iran will back down from its demands and move negotiations forward. Netanyahu, meanwhile, amplifies threats of a strike to serve domestic political purposes, aiming to prevent the collapse of his government. In both cases, all reports indicate that Israel cannot carry out such an attack without U.S. approval. An Israeli report reveals that any strike on Iran would require reaching facilities buried dozens of meters deep in solid rock, while the weaponry currently available to Tel Aviv can only achieve minimal damage — whether in terms of bomb effectiveness or aircraft capability. This has made the reality of the threat increasingly transparent, amid two possible scenarios: If Netanyahu's government falls following a potential Knesset collapse — should ultra-Orthodox parties succeed in their political battle — Israel's priorities, already shifting toward early elections, could be reshaped. If Netanyahu survives the vote, securing his political standing, the Iranian file may recede from the top of his agenda.
LBCI
2 hours ago
- LBCI
US Treasury chief says extension of tariff relief possible for some
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Wednesday that an extended pause on higher tariff rates is possible for some countries as a deadline approaches for dozens of economies to face steeper levies. "It will be up to President (Donald) Trump, but I believe that if someone is negotiating in good faith, that an extension will be possible," Bessent told lawmakers. Trump unveiled sweeping tariffs on most trading partners in April but halted higher rates on many countries until early July, pending ongoing negotiations. AFP
LBCI
2 hours ago
- LBCI
Le Drian returns to Beirut, revives French role in Lebanon's crisis
Report by Toni Mrad, English adaptation by Mariella Succar France — often referred to as Lebanon's 'tender mother' — has renewed its diplomatic engagement in the country through the return of presidential envoy Jean-Yves Le Drian. One of Le Drian's most notable meetings took place away from the media spotlight with Mohammad Raad, head of Hezbollah's parliamentary bloc, Loyalty to the Resistance. According to information obtained by LBCI, the talks were described as positive. During the meeting, Raad emphasized that the key to stability in Lebanon lies in halting Israeli attacks and ensuring a full Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory — goals that require strong international pressure, particularly from guarantor countries such as France and the United States. On the issue of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), Raad affirmed that Hezbollah supports the extension of the peacekeeping mission under the terms of U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701 — a position aligned with the stance of Lebanon's three top officials. While Le Drian heard Hezbollah's views, he, in turn, stressed the importance of advancing reforms — particularly the banking restructuring law and legislation addressing the financial gap. According to sources, he received support for moving forward on these key reforms. Le Drian also discussed these issues — along with the question of ensuring the state's exclusive control over arms — in meetings with several Lebanese political figures, including MPs Michel Douaihy and Fouad Makhzoumi, Free Patriotic Movement leader Gebran Bassil, Kataeb Party leader Samy Gemayel, and Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea. But the broader question remains: What real and effective role can France play in Lebanon? And is it capable of easing pressure from Saudi Arabia and the United States, both of which place Hezbollah's disarmament at the forefront of their demands? What can be said is that Paris appears to be trying to revive the reform agenda, which has taken a backseat to the issue of weapons. Whether France will succeed in this effort remains to be seen. France's role may be more impactful when it comes to the extension of UNIFIL's mandate in southern Lebanon. In addition to being a permanent member of the U.N. Security Council, France also holds the role of "penholder" — responsible for drafting Council resolutions and statements, including those related to Lebanon. Since Le Drian's last visit to Beirut, France has managed to reopen discussions on UNIFIL ahead of the renewal deadline in late August — a renewal that this year coincides with a rise in tensions and incidents involving the international force. In the end, France — through Le Drian — appears once again not only to be offering assistance to Lebanon, but also working to reinforce its presence and role on the Lebanese stage.
