Faytuks Network

Washington Post: Qatar pursued secret back-channel talks with Iran early in the war to keep its Ras Laffan gas complex off Tehran’s target list, according to Middle Eastern and Western officials briefed on intelligence. Officials said Qatar proposed halting gas production, potentially spiking global energy prices and pressuring the U.S. and Israel to shorten the war, in exchange for Iran not striking the facility. Qatar denied any secret arrangement, saying the shutdown was based solely on credible threats to workers and infrastructure. The report says U.S. officials were aware of the intelligence, and Ras Laffan was later hit by Iranian strikes on March 18, damaging infrastructure tied to nearly 20% of Qatar’s LNG exports.

The two sides have made progress on mechanisms to unfreeze Iranian cash, on the reopening of the strait and on references to Iran’s nuclear program - WSJ

The U.S. Justice Department approved Skydance’s $111 billion acquisition of Warner Bros Discovery, clearing a key hurdle for the deal that would reshape Hollywood, though California and other states could still sue to block it.

U.S. Central Command confirms Reuters' report, saying that all of the drones were downed and traffic continues through the Strait unimpeded. https://x.com/FaytuksNetwork/status/2065609059177578653/photo/1

BREAKING: President Trump says the US has assassinated the leader of Tren De Aragua.

The U.S. has shot down multiple Iranian drones heading toward the Strait of Hormuz, a person familiar with the matter tells Reuters.

Mehr: Sounds of explosions were heard minutes ago in coastal areas near Qeshm Island and parts of Sirik County, amid speculation of a possible naval incident. Preliminary checks indicate no explosion occurred inside Sirik County, with the sound reportedly coming from the sea and possibly linked to activity near the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran FM Araghchi: Control of the Strait of Hormuz rests with Iran and Oman, and there is no “international waterway” there. He said Iran and Oman have provided security and operational services to vessels for years free of charge, but management of the strait “will not return to how it was before the war.” Araghchi added that consultations have been held with Oman and a joint plan may be announced soon, including future fees for services in the strait.

For the first time since Sunday, a Hezbollah UAV has fallen inside Israeli territory near the border, in the Arab al-Aramshe area. The last cross-border fire was followed by an Israeli strike in Beirut’s Dahiyeh. — N12

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that ending the war under the memorandum of understanding also means the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Southern Lebanon. “We have stated this clearly,” Araghchi said.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the emerging agreement has opponents, led by Israel, which he accused of trying to derail it, Fars news agency reported. Araghchi said none of the texts currently circulating about the agreement should be considered valid, and called for calm to allow negotiators to reach “the best possible agreement.” “No agreement exists in which one side wins 100-0,” he was quoted as saying.

The UAE has agreed to release billions of dollars to Iran after weeks of Iranian attacks on the Gulf state, four sources tell Reuters. Two regional sources said Abu Dhabi agreed to release $10B, with more than $3B already delivered.

Senior U.S. administration official briefs reporters on the emerging Iran deal: • Deal achieves core U.S. objectives • Strait of Hormuz to reopen • U.S. to receive enriched material from Iran under the agreement • Deal includes a nuclear monitoring regime • Official says it ensures long-term peace in the region • Iran will receive economic rewards only if it complies • Significant sanctions relief will be tied to Iranian performance • U.S. expects the deal to be signed in the coming days • Draft agreement would lead to the dismantling of Iran’s nuclear program • “We are not quite at the finish line, but very close” • Iran receives nothing upon signing

Israel's Channel 12 reports, citing a senior U.S. official: President Trump told Netanyahu during their call yesterday, “This is the deal, it’s an excellent deal, and it is time to end this war.” According to the official, Netanyahu did not say much during the conversation.

Iran’s economic “nuclear option” if conflict resumes involves directing the Houthis to shut down the Bab-al-Mandab strait. Iran has reportedly refrained from requesting this to avoid disrupting ongoing negotiations.

https://x.com/ZcohenCNN/status/2065474014135394408?s=20

Zachary Cohen (@ZcohenCNN) Exclusive: Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, Gen. Caine, made a secret, rushed visit to US Central Command headquarters in Florida late last month to be briefed in person on plans for the military to send ground troops into Iran to forcibly seize its highly enriched uranium, sources tell @NatashaBertrand & me. Caine then briefed President Trump on the options for such an operation, one of the sources said.

Joint Chiefs Chair Gen. Caine made a secret, rushed trip to US Central Command last month to review plans for a ground operation to seize Iran’s enriched uranium, CNN sources say. Trump reportedly "hit pause" after warnings of severe retaliation and global economic turmoil.

BREAKING: Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif says a final agreed text has been reached for a U.S.-Iran peace agreement. Sharif said Pakistan is aware of “persistent misinformation” by those seeking to sabotage the deal, but confirmed that both sides have agreed on the final text. “Peace has never been closer,” he said.

Iran will not receive any funds for signing an agreement or attending talks, Vice President JD Vance said Friday, adding that economic benefits would only flow to Tehran if it fulfills its obligations under a potential deal.