The White House on Wednesday responded to media reports about a preliminary memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran, saying talks are advancing and stressing any agreement must bar Iran from ever acquiring a nuclear weapon. A White House spokesperson said the president’s “red lines” are clear and that he will only accept a deal that protects U.S. interests and prevents Tehran from developing nuclear arms.
Separately, Iranian state television published details it says are part of a possible U.S.-Iran MOU, while acknowledging a final accord has not been signed. The broadcaster said the draft would see U.S. forces withdraw from areas around Iran and end a naval blockade, with Iran committing to restore the number of commercial transit ships to pre-tension levels within one month. According to the report, military vessels would be excluded from the transit arrangements and maritime traffic management would be coordinated jointly by Iran and Oman. The Iranian report added that if a deal is finalized within 60 days, it would be formalized through a binding U.N. Security Council resolution.
U.S. officials pushed back on the state-run report. The White House’s Rapid Response account called the Iranian media release a fabrication and urged the public not to accept the claims as fact.
In Lebanon, Israeli strikes killed at least 31 people and wounded around 40 on Tuesday, the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health reported. Four children were among those killed and ten more children were reported injured. The ministry’s tally since March 2 now lists more than 3,200 dead and nearly 9,800 wounded in Lebanon. The strikes come as Israel says it is intensifying operations aimed at Hezbollah targets, and Israeli forces issued a new evacuation order for the southern city of Nabatieh, warning of planned forceful action in the area. Hezbollah continues to strike Israeli forces inside southern Lebanon and to carry out longer-range attacks into northern Israel.
Vice President J.D. Vance told NBC News he is “extremely hopeful” Iran will accept commitments that rule out developing nuclear weapons, but he emphasized that the critical test is whether Tehran agrees to strong enforcement and monitoring mechanisms that would ensure long-term compliance. Vance said his faith and engagement with just-war thinking have shaped his approach to the conflict, prompting constant questions about the morality and justification of military action and placing limits on political decision-making.
Developments remain fluid: U.S.-Iran negotiations are being characterized by officials on both sides as ongoing, while regional violence in Lebanon continues to produce civilian casualties. Watch for further updates as diplomatic and military actions evolve.