US Vice President Vance personally led indirect talks with Iran over the past 2 weeks, communicating almost daily with mediators including Qatar Prime Minister Mohammed and Pakistan Army Chief Munir to push for a new ceasefire agreement and restart nuclear negotiations, according to Axios citing informed sources. Iranian Foreign Minister Araqchi confirmed on the 7th that he held intensive calls with foreign ministers from 12 countries in the past 48 hours, exchanging views on regional situation and US-Israel escalation. The diplomatic push comes amid continued military tensions, with Iran's semi-official Tasnim News Agency reporting on the 7th that two missiles struck the Suza area of Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz, followed by Iran's military confirming it shot down a US MQ-9 drone over Qeshm Island.
US Strikes Qeshm Island, Iran Downs MQ-9 Drone
Iran's semi-official Tasnim News Agency reported on the 7th that two missiles hit the Suza area of Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran's military subsequently confirmed its air defense system successfully shot down a US MQ-9 drone over Qeshm Island.
US President Trump confirmed the same day that the US military conducted a "small strike" against Iran aimed at destroying "a small air defense device" manufactured by Iran. US media analysis suggests the early-month strike on Qeshm Island was calibrated to avoid signaling US intent to resume large-scale military operations. While Trump has not ruled out restarting attacks, international mediators are intensifying efforts to facilitate a ceasefire agreement.
US Central Command Offers $20M Reward for Iran Nuclear Intel
US Central Command announced on the 6th via social platform X the launch of the "Rewards for Justice" program targeting Iran's nuclear program. The military stated that informants providing intelligence on nuclear facilities, equipment, and movements of scientific personnel can receive rewards of up to $20 million (approximately NT$640 million), with assistance provided for safe relocation of informants.
The US Treasury Department imposed financial sanctions on 8 currency service companies headquartered in Canada for "transactions with sanctioned Iranian entities." US Treasury Secretary Bessent stated, "Canada must never become a safe haven for illicit financial intermediaries that provide sanction evasion services for the Iranian regime and its proxies." The US is also forming a task force to restrict Iran's use of land routes and the Caspian Sea.
Iranian FM Araqchi Conducts Intensive Diplomatic Outreach
Iranian Foreign Minister Araqchi confirmed on the 7th that he held intensive phone calls with foreign ministers from 12 countries in the past 48 hours, including Oman, Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Pakistan, exchanging views on regional situation and US-Israel escalation. Araqchi emphasized Iran's legitimate right to defend national sovereignty and security, calling on countries to stop aggression and threats, and advocating for establishment of regional security mechanisms without external interference.
FAQ
What diplomatic efforts is VP Vance leading on Iran?
VP Vance personally led indirect talks with Iran over the past 2 weeks, communicating almost daily with mediators including Qatar Prime Minister Mohammed and Pakistan Army Chief Munir to push for a new ceasefire agreement and restart nuclear negotiations, according to Axios citing informed sources.
What happened during the US strike on Qeshm Island?
Iran's semi-official Tasnim News Agency reported on the 7th that two missiles struck the Suza area of Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran's military confirmed it shot down a US MQ-9 drone over Qeshm Island. US President Trump confirmed the same day that the US military conducted a "small strike" aimed at destroying "a small air defense device" manufactured by Iran.
What rewards is the US offering for Iran nuclear intelligence?
US Central Command announced on the 6th the launch of the "Rewards for Justice" program, offering up to $20 million for intelligence on Iran's nuclear facilities, equipment, and movements of scientific personnel, with assistance provided for safe relocation of informants.
