Iranian response to U.S. proposal
Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said Monday that Tehran has replied to the latest American negotiation proposal, with mediation continuing via Pakistan. Baghaei emphasized that certain rights are nonnegotiable, specifically Iran’s right to uranium enrichment as recognized under the Nuclear Non‑Proliferation Treaty, adding that no external recognition is required for a right that already exists.
IDF orders evacuations in southern Lebanon
The Israel Defense Forces issued evacuation orders for the southern Lebanese towns of Harouf, Burj el‑Shamali and Dibal ahead of planned strikes. An IDF spokesperson said forces would act “forcefully” against alleged Hezbollah positions in those areas, accusing the Iran‑aligned group of violating the ceasefire. Lebanon’s Ministry of Public Health reported that Israeli strikes since March 2 have killed 2,988 people and wounded 9,210.
Saudi Arabia and UAE condemn drone attacks
Saudi and Emirati authorities reported fresh drone strikes over the weekend. The Abu Dhabi Media Office said a drone of unspecified origin started a fire at an electrical generator outside the inner perimeter of the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in the Al Dhafra region; the UAE Foreign Ministry said the attack came from the country’s western border direction and called the incident a dangerous escalation, saying it would not tolerate threats to its security and reserves the right to respond. Saudi Arabia’s Defense Ministry said its air defenses intercepted three drones coming from Iraqi airspace and likewise said it reserves the right to respond at an appropriate time and place.
Trump: “Time is of the essence”
President Donald Trump urged Iran to accept a peace deal immediately, posting that Iran “better get moving, FAST” and warning “there won’t be anything left of them,” adding that “TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE.” He provided no new deadline. In a recent interview airing from China, Trump said Iran “can make a deal or they get annihilated,” and he has previously criticized the ceasefire terms as weak, calling them “unbelievably weak” and a “piece of garbage.”