Middle East Conflict News
LAST UPDATE: July 2, 2025
Trump Says Israel Agreed to Terms for 60‑Day Gaza Ceasefire
Former President Trump announced that Israel has agreed to the necessary conditions for a 60‑day ceasefire in Gaza. The proposal, brokered by Egypt and Qatar, will now be presented to Hamas.
Insight
This marks a significant diplomatic effort to halt the Gaza conflict and emphasizes Trump’s ongoing influence in Middle East peace negotiations, though the initiative still hinges on Hamas’s acceptance.
EU presses China to push Iran towards nuclear deal
The EU is urging China to leverage its economic relationship with Iran to encourage Tehran to enter a renewed nuclear agreement. The initiative aims to de‑escalate tensions following recent US‑Israeli strikes.
Insight
The EU is seeking to revive the 2015 JCPOA through indirect diplomacy, relying on China as its principal oil partner. This highlights Europe’s strategic pivot to multilateral leverage in Middle East policy.
Israel Urges China to Pressure Iran to Rein In Nuclear Ambitions
Israel’s Consul General in Shanghai urged China to use its economic and political influence to curb Iran’s nuclear and military ambitions, emphasizing that Iran relies heavily on China’s oil purchases.
Insight
Israel is taking an active diplomatic approach to curb Iran’s nuclear progress by engaging China, signaling a shift toward regional collaboration through economic leverage.
Iran suspends cooperation with UN nuclear watchdog
Iran’s parliament approved—and the president enacted—a law requiring government approval for any future IAEA inspections. This effectively suspends routine cooperation, in response to perceived bias and following recent strikes.
Insight
This move deepens Iran’s nuclear autonomy and signals a breakdown in trust with international inspectors, complicating diplomatic efforts and increasing regional tensions.
US bombing “seriously damaged” Iran’s Fordow nuclear site, FM says
Iranian FM Abbas Araqchi disclosed that a recent U.S. bombing “seriously and heavily damaged” Iran’s Fordow nuclear facility. An ongoing assessment by the Atomic Energy Organization is underway to determine the full extent.
Insight
The revelation confirms a significant escalation in U.S. military operations against Iran’s nuclear infrastructure. Though damage severity is still being assessed, it signals deeper escalation with global ramifications.
Iran made preparations to mine the Strait of Hormuz, US sources say
The Iranian military loaded naval mines onto vessels in the Persian Gulf last month—just days after Israel’s strikes—indicating Tehran may have been preparing to block the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping lane for ~20% of global oil and gas. (reuters.com, x.com)
Insight
The operation reflects Tehran’s willingness to deploy asymmetric tactics to pressure Israel and disrupt global energy markets. The move served both as a strategic deterrent and a signal to Washington, though the actual mining was not executed.
