Middle East Conflict News
LAST UPDATE: June 26, 2025
Trump Says US‑Iran Will Talk Next Week, Mideast War Over for Now
At NATO summit wrap‑up, Trump announced US‑Iran talks are expected next week and declared the “12‑day war” over. He claimed US strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites “obliterated” capabilities, though intelligence suggests only a temporary setback. Iran’s parliament voted to suspend IAEA cooperation .
Insight
Trump’s dual narrative—using military pressure yet opening diplomacy—reflects strategic maneuvering. The ceasefire and pending talks could signal a shift to containment and negotiation, though risks persist if inspections halt.
Trump Signals He Won’t Stand in Way of China Buying Iranian Oil
At the NATO summit, President Trump said he does not intend to block China from buying Iranian oil, indicating possible relaxation on sanctions enforcement. Although the White House clarified that U.S. sanctions remain, Trump stated China “can now continue to purchase Oil from Iran” to support Iran’s rebuilding (reuters.com, reuters.com, livemint.com).
Insight
Trump’s shift suggests a pragmatic recalibration of U.S. policy—possibly easing enforcement on Iranian oil as part of broader Middle East engagement, balancing between sanction strategy and economic/diplomatic managing.
Iran’s parliament votes to halt co-operation with nuclear watchdog
Iran’s Majles voted overwhelmingly (221–2) to suspend cooperation with the IAEA, stopping inspections and camera monitoring after U.S.–Israeli strikes on its nuclear facilities. The move, pending approval by the Guardian Council, allows Tehran to accelerate its civilian nuclear program .
Insight
This marks a major setback for nuclear verification and increases proliferation risks. It signals Iran’s readiness to leverage its nuclear program in response to military pressure, complicating international monitoring efforts.
Israel’s gas fields resume operations after shutdown during Iran conflict
The Leviathan and Karish gas fields restarted operations after nearly two weeks of shutdown caused by the Iran-Israel conflict. These fields supply domestic and export markets, including Egypt and Jordan, with growth expected through 2026 .
Insight
The restart restores a key source of energy and regional trade revenue. It also signals stabilizing conditions, reflecting geopolitical volatility’s direct impact on critical infrastructure.
