This is Beirut

From Taif to Oman: The Long Road to State Sovereignty in Lebanon

Philippe Abi-Akl, 08:30 - Reading : 5 minute(s)

Hezbollah USA Donald Trump Iran negotiations Oman

For the past 34 years, Hezbollah’s weapons have remained a central point of contention both domestically and internationally. On September 30, 1989, Lebanon’s political factions convened in Taif, Saudi Arabia, and signed the National Accord, known as the Taif agreement, to end the devastating 15-year civil war. One of the key provisions ...

UK Sanctions Iran-Backed 'Criminal Network' and Its Leader

This is Beirut, 14/04 20:30 - Reading : 1 minute(s)

United Kingdom Iran Sanctions David Lammy

The United Kingdom on Monday accused Iran of helping criminal gangs to stage attacks in Europe as it sanctioned the Swedish-based Foxtrot criminal network and its leader, Rawa Majid. The sanctions were ordered over the network's role in attacks across Europe, the Foreign Office said, and would include travel bans and asset freezes. "Today, the ...

Tehran–Washington: Toward a Thaw or a Deadlock?

Mario Chartouni, 14/04 17:50 - Reading : 3 minute(s)

Tehran Washington nuclear talks Iran US

Iran and the United States held indirect negotiations on Saturday, mediated by the Sultanate of Oman, focused on Iran’s nuclear program. These talks are making headlines amid a lack of transparency about their content and progress. A Second Round in Rome According to Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp, a second round of negotiations is set ...

How Washington Dismantled Its Rivals and Reclaimed Global Leverage in 100 Days

Baker Halawi, 14/04 14:15 - Reading : 7 minute(s)

United States USA Iran China

It took the United States less than one hundred days to begin redrawing the global strategic map—on its own terms. In just over three months, President Donald Trump’s returning administration—resurrected not through elections, but through political maneuvering and ideological momentum—reignited an assertive and ...

Iran Says Talks with US to Focus Solely on Nuclear Issue and Lifting Sanctions

This is Beirut, 13/04 14:58 - Reading : 4 minute(s)

Iran United States Oman Sanctions Iran Nuclear Program

Iran's foreign ministry said Sunday that talks with the United States slated for next weekend will remain "indirect" with Omani mediation and focused solely on the nuclear issue and lifting of sanctions. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff held talks Saturday in Muscat, marking the ...

US in Hurry for Nuclear Deal, Iran Says After High-Stakes Talks

This is Beirut, 12/04 19:25 - Reading : 4 minute(s)

United States Iran Oman

The United States wants a nuclear agreement "as soon as possible", Iran said after rare talks on Saturday, as US President Donald Trump threatens military action if they fail to reach a deal. The long-term adversaries, who have not had diplomatic relations for more than 40 years, are seeking a new nuclear deal after Trump pulled out of ...

Iraqi Markets a Haven for Peddlers Escaping Iran's Economic Woes

This is Beirut, 12/04 12:25 - Reading : 4 minute(s)

Iraq Iran Sanctions US economy

Every Friday, Alawi crosses the border from Iran into Iraq to sell his produce in the markets of Basra, which serve as a haven for Iranians grappling with economic sanctions. He is just one of many Iranian peddlers who endure the arduous journey into southern Iraq through the Chalamja border crossing. They bring essential goods such as chicken, ...

‘My Favorite Cake’, Awarded Abroad but Censored in Iran

This is Beirut, 12/04 10:30 - Reading : 2 minute(s)

Iran Censorship Cannes Film Cinema Art

The Iranian directors of the film My Favorite Cake, praised in both France and the United States, have been sentenced to suspended prison terms, according to an independent legal website and a human rights NGO. Maryam Moghadam and Behtash Sanaeeha, already recognized in 2020 for Ballad of a White Cow, were prosecuted for “propaganda against ...

American-Iranian Talks Spring Eternal

David Hale , 12/04 09:30 - Reading : 5 minute(s)

Iran USA Donald Trump United States

President Trump prides himself on his mastery of the art of the deal. On April 12, those skills will begin to be tested for the first time in the arena of the 45-year-old contest between America and Iran. All who care about stability and peace in the Middle East should wish him well and hope he and his team come to the negotiation prepared and in ...

Iran Says Seeks "Real and Fair" Deal as US Insists on Direct Negotiations

This is Beirut, 11/04 22:48 - Reading : 3 minute(s)

Iran United States Nuclear Donald Trump

White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt insisted Friday that the upcoming talks between the United States and Iran in Oman would be direct. “I want to make that very clear,” she told reporters in Washington. “The president believes in diplomacy, direct talks, and talking directly in the same room,” she said. Her comments ...

Witkoff: Muscat Talks with Iran to Focus on Trust-Building, Not Deal Terms

This is Beirut, 11/04 22:40 - Reading : 1 minute(s)

Donald Trump Steve Witkoff Iran Nuclear

US President Donald Trump’s envoy for the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, who met with president Vladimir Putin, in Moscou, said Friday that the initial meeting with Iranian officials in Muscat will focus on rebuilding trust rather than hashing out the fine details of a nuclear deal. “The initial meeting in Muscat will be centered on building ...

Conflicting Strategies Loom Over US-Iran Nuclear Talks in Oman

Amal Chmouny, 11/04 09:00 - Reading : 4 minute(s)

Iran USA Donald Trump

The United States and Iran are gearing up for crucial discussions concerning Iran's nuclear program, scheduled to take place in Oman on Saturday, April 12. However, these meetings are already complicated by differing approaches; President Trump advocates for direct negotiations, whereas Iranian officials are firm on pursuing indirect talks ...

Iran