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Iran on Wednesday dismissed President Trump’s proposed 15-point framework to end the war, instead presenting its own far-reaching conditions that would significantly expand its regional control and influence.

Despite Trump’s assertion that Tehran had accepted key elements of his plan, including abandoning its pursuit of nuclear weapons, Iranian officials told mediators the proposal was unacceptable, according to reports from state media.

In response, Iranian lawmakers outlined an alternative set of terms under which the Islamic Republic would assume authority over the Strait of Hormuz and take responsibility for securing it, as well as safeguarding its network of allied forces abroad.

At the same time, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which has tightened its grip over what remains of Iran’s governing structure, signaled no willingness to de-escalate. The group said the conflict would continue until the United States shuts down all of its military installations in the Gulf and compensates Iran for damages caused by American strikes.

Iran’s leadership is also demanding complete American withdrawal from the region and insists on exclusive control over the Strait of Hormuz, a vital maritime corridor through which roughly 20% of the world’s oil supply passes.

Under Tehran’s proposal, Iran would be permitted to levy transit fees on vessels moving through the strait, mirroring Egypt’s model with the Suez Canal. This potential revenue stream would be paired with a full lifting of international sanctions imposed on the regime.

In addition, Iran is calling for a permanent cessation of hostilities, including an end to Israel’s military campaign against Hezbollah, the Iran-backed terrorist organization operating in Lebanon.

While Iran’s proposal did not directly address its nuclear program, it made clear that its missile capabilities are not open for negotiation and would remain intact without restriction.

The Iranian terms stand in stark contrast to Trump’s plan, which a U.S. official described as “ridiculous” and “unrealistic,” according to the WSJ.

Key elements of the American proposal, many of which were reported by Israel’s Channel 12, include a series of sweeping requirements placed on Tehran.

1. Iran must dismantle existing nuclear capabilities.

2. Iran must commit never to pursue nuclear weapons.

3. No uranium enrichment on Iranian territory.

4. Iran must hand its stockpile of enriched uranium to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

5. The Natanz, Isfahan and Fordo nuclear facilities must be dismantled.

6. The IAEA must be granted full access to Iran’s nuclear facilities.

7. Iran must abandon its “regional proxy paradigm.”

8. Iran must cease funding, directing and arming its proxies.

9. The Strait of Hormuz must remain open.

10. Iran’s missile program must be limited in both range and quantity.

11. Iran must limit its use of missiles to self-defense.

In return, Iran would receive the following:

12. The end of sanctions imposed by the international community.

13. US assistance to advance its civilian nuclear program.

14. A “snapback” mechanism allowing for the automatic reimposition of sanctions if Iran fails to comply would be removed.

Iranian officials have rejected these conditions outright, with a senior figure telling PressTV that the demands are “excessive” and disconnected from realities on the ground, particularly as the United States has yet to achieve its objectives nearly a month into the conflict.

“Iran will end the war when it decides to do so and when its own conditions are met,” the official said.

“The end of the war will occur when Iran decides it should end, not when Trump envisions its conclusion,” he added.

With Washington and Tehran still avoiding direct talks, regional mediators in the Middle East are continuing efforts to bridge the divide and reach a negotiated resolution to the conflict.

{Matzav.com}

Israel’s Knesset has taken a significant step toward regulating the massive Lag BaOmer gathering in Meron, as the National Security Committee approved legislation on Wednesday aimed at ensuring a safer and more orderly event in 2026.

The bill, which passed through the committee chaired by MK Zvika Fogel of Otzma Yehudit, will now move forward to its final readings. Drafted as a temporary measure, the legislation is intended to provide clear structure and oversight for the annual pilgrimage, which attracts hundreds of thousands of participants each year. It establishes tighter safety protocols and new limitations designed to maintain order and prevent dangerous overcrowding.

Communications Minister Dr. Shlomo Karhi, who has been tasked with overseeing this year’s event, expressed appreciation to MK Zvika Fogel and MK Meir Porush of United Torah Judaism for pushing the legislation forward. “This law will allow us to hold a safe and joyful event for the people of Israel,” Karhi said.

Fogel underscored that the primary goal of the measure is to impose organization and accountability on the large-scale gathering. “The purpose of this law is to bring order, establish clear boundaries, and ensure that the pilgrimage takes place safely. Our first and foremost responsibility is to protect human life.”

MK Meir Porush, who previously oversaw the event in his role as Minister of Yerushalayim Affairs and Jewish Tradition, also welcomed the progress of the bill and commended both Karhi and Fogel. “This is an important and central step in the preparations for the celebration,” he said, adding that he hopes the security situation will permit the pilgrimage to be held with both joy and safety.

The Lag BaOmer event in Meron is among the largest yearly gatherings in Israel. Following the 2021 disaster, in which 45 people lost their lives in a crowd crush, authorities have implemented increasingly strict safety measures and closer supervision in an effort to prevent a repeat of the tragedy.

{Matzav.com}

After nearly 20 years of legal battles, families of victims of Iranian-backed terrorism are set to receive compensation from a Manhattan office tower that had long generated income tied to the Iranian regime, despite outstanding court judgments, JTA reports.

On Monday, as fighting between Israel and Iran continues, a $318 million agreement was finalized, directing proceeds from the building’s sale to hundreds of victims. Those eligible for compensation include Jewish and Israeli families who lost relatives in attacks linked to Iran, both in Israel and abroad.

The dispute revolved around hidden Iranian ownership interests in 650 Fifth Avenue, a high-rise office building in Manhattan. Following the 1979 Islamic Revolution, Iran assumed control of the Alavi Foundation, originally established under the shah, and entered into a partnership with Bank Melli Iran, a state-owned financial institution under U.S. sanctions.

Through a network of front companies, the bank allegedly funneled tens of millions of dollars in rental revenue back to Tehran while concealing its stake in the property, in violation of American sanctions laws.

Among those who will benefit from the settlement are families and estates connected to the 2001 bombing of the Sbarro restaurant in Jerusalem, which left 15 people dead and more than 100 wounded. That attack, carried out by Hamas with Iranian backing, was among the most devastating suicide bombings during the Second Intifada.

The compensation also extends to victims of other suicide bombings targeting Israeli civilians in the 1990s and early 2000s, as well as to the family of Rabbi Meir Kahane, who was murdered in 1990.

For years, victims of terrorism obtained default judgments against Iran in U.S. courts, but those rulings went unpaid. As a result, plaintiffs were forced to pursue Iranian-linked assets within the United States. The broader litigation involved claims totaling more than $5 billion, including those brought by families of victims killed in the September 11, 2001 attacks.

US Attorney Jay Clayton said the outcome reflects years of persistent effort to locate and secure those assets.

“For nearly two decades, we pursued hidden Iranian government assets tied to a Manhattan skyscraper to ensure those funds would ultimately compensate victims of Iran-sponsored terrorism rather than terrorists and their enablers,” Clayton said in a statement.

As part of the agreement, the Alavi Foundation will be dismantled, and its holdings — including the Fifth Avenue property — will be transferred to a newly created nonprofit organization known as the Amir Kabir Foundation. The new group will operate under oversight from U.S. authorities, with governing rules requiring it to remain independent of any government influence.

Hundreds of weddings were thrown into last-minute disarray after two major event halls in Bnei Brak were ordered closed, requiring couples to urgently find alternative venues.

Tel Aviv District Police Commander, Chief Superintendent Chaim Sargrof, signed closure orders for the Dekel and Heichlei Malchus event halls after police alleged that the venues had employed and housed a total of nine illegal residents in violation of the law.

The action comes as part of a focused police campaign targeting offenses related to employing, transporting, and sheltering individuals residing in Israel illegally. Officers from the Bnei Brak–Ramat Gan station in the Dan region of the Tel Aviv District have been carrying out intensified inspections at businesses and construction sites where such individuals are suspected to be present, with the stated goal of safeguarding public safety.

Approximately three days prior, police conducted a business licensing operation during which inspections were carried out at several event halls in Bnei Brak. At the Dekel Hall on Ezra Street, officers located two illegal residents from the Palestinian territories who did not have valid permits to remain in Israel. At Heichlei Malchus on Shlomo Hamelech Street, police found seven individuals in similar circumstances.

According to police, in both locations the individuals were not only employed unlawfully but were also being housed on-site. The suspects were taken into custody, and the employers were questioned under caution by investigators at the Bnei Brak–Ramat Gan police station.

Following the investigation, licensing enforcement officers in the Dan region, together with local police, moved to shut down the halls. The Tel Aviv District commander issued administrative closure orders for a period of 30 days, effective from February 23, 2025, through March 24, 2025. The investigation into the employers is ongoing.

{Matzav.com}

The Vizhnitzer Rebbe of Bnei Brak, Rav Yisroel Hager, is expected to return to Eretz Yisroel this week after undergoing a significant medical procedure in Germany and spending several days recuperating in Switzerland.

The Rebbe, who is currently resting in Davos, is scheduled to arrive in Israel ahead of Thursday. On Thursday night, he is expected to lead a tish at the main Vizhnitzer beis medrash in Bnei Brak in honor of the yahrtzeit of his grandfather, the Imrei Chaim of Vizhnitz.

Last week, the Rebbe successfully underwent a critical medical procedure at a hospital in Munich that lasted approximately three hours. Doctors expressed strong satisfaction with the initial results, and members of the Vizhnitzer community received the news with relief while continuing to daven for his full recovery.

Initially, plans called for the Rebbe to return to Israel before last Shabbos. However, following consultations with doctors, it was decided that he would remain in Munich for Shabbos, staying in a rented apartment, and delay his return.

Those plans later changed again, and the Rebbe traveled to Davos for Shabbos. Throughout this period, he has been accompanied by his grandson, Rabbi Lipa Hager, son of the Av Beis Din of Kiryat Vizhnitz, who has been overseeing his medical care. His son, Rav Yaakov Mordechai Hager, also succeeded in traveling from Israel to spend Shabbos with him in Switzerland.

{Matzav.com}

Sen. Ted Cruz said the United States should press forward with its military campaign against Iran until the current leadership is removed, arguing that recent operations have already dealt a major blow to the regime.

Cruz made the remarks during an appearance on Fox News Channel’s “Jesse Watters Primetime,” where he was asked about the direction of negotiations in the coming days.

“Senator, these negotiations, what do you expect this week?” host Jesse Watters asked.

Responding, Cruz pointed to what he described as significant military achievements over the past three weeks. “Well, listen, the first three weeks of this military conflict have been incredibly successful. In three weeks, we have taken out all of Iran’s air defenses. We’ve taken out virtually every one of their short range and medium range ballistic missiles. We’ve taken out their missile production capacity. We’ve taken out their drone capacity. We’ve taken out their drone manufacturing. You look at what we’ve done to the Navy. We’ve had over 8,000 strikes in Iran and on the Navy, we have sunk more than 120 ships. This is the largest naval defeat, the most ships sunk since World War II. That’s in three weeks. And in addition to that, we have decapitated the regime, taking out not just the Ayatollah, but the senior military leaders, the mullahs, who have been tyrants in that country for 47 years. The outcome, I believe, should be simple and straightforward.”

He went on to describe what he believes should follow from the military campaign, emphasizing the need for a different type of leadership in Iran. “We want to see a government in Iran that is not run by crazed Islamists who lead mobs chanting, ‘Death to America,’” he continued. “We want a government that is not the largest funder of terrorism in the world, that is not giving 90 percent of the funding to Hamas and Hezbollah and the Houthis and we want a government that is not murdering Americans. The Iranian regime has killed nearly 1,000 Americans. The Ayatollah twice hired hit men trying to kill President Trump, and so President Trump has reacted with strength that is making America much safer. As you noted, the Strait of Hormuz, Iran has been trying to put economic pressure on the world, and the President responded with an ultimatum, you open the Strait of Hormuz or you will face crushing economic blows to Iran. I think that got their attention, and the President said, we made some progress. I’m hopeful that’s right.”

California Governor Gavin Newsom said Tuesday that he regrets describing Israel as an “apartheid” state, while at the same time making clear his strong opposition to the leadership of Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu.

The initial comments came earlier this month during an appearance on a political podcast, where Newsom indicated agreement with claims labeling Israel an “apartheid state” and raised questions about continued U.S. military assistance.

In that discussion, Newsom also suggested that Israel’s role in influencing U.S. strikes against Iran was obvious, and he directed pointed criticism at Netanyahu.

“The issue of Bibi is interesting because he’s got his own domestic issues. He’s trying to stay out of jail, he’s got an election coming up, he’s potentially on the ropes, he’s got folks, the hard line, that want to annex the West Bank,” said Newsom, adding that “others are talking about it appropriately as sort of an apartheid state.”

When asked during the podcast whether Washington should reconsider its military support for Israel, Newsom responded, “It breaks my heart, because the current leadership in Israel is walking us down that path where I don’t think you have a choice.”

In remarks published Tuesday in an interview with Politico, Newsom struck a more measured tone and clarified his views.

Responding to a question about whether he identifies as a Zionist, Newsom said, “I revere the state of Israel. I’m proud to support the state of Israel. I deeply, deeply oppose Bibi Netanyahu’s leadership, his opposition to the two-state solution and deeply oppose how he is indulging the far-right as it relates to what’s going on in the West Bank.”

Pressed on whether he regretted using the term “apartheid,” Newsom acknowledged that he did, explaining the context in which he used it. “I do in this context. I said it, and I referenced why I used it – a Tom Friedman article – in that same sentence where Tom used it in the context of the direction that Bibi is going.”

Newsom was referring to a column by New York Times writer Thomas Friedman, who argued that if the conflict with Iran helps Netanyahu secure victory in upcoming elections, it could accelerate policies he believes would fundamentally alter Israel’s character.

In that piece, Friedman wrote that such an outcome would “be a major propellant to his efforts to annex the West Bank, cripple the Israeli Supreme Court and make Israel an apartheid state.”

Expanding on that point, Newsom told Politico that he shares those concerns about Israel’s trajectory under its current leadership.

“That is a legitimate concern I have, that I share with Tom – that that direction, if that vision and that direction of the far right that Bibi is indulging, that if they see the full annexation of the West Bank, then that’s not something – that’s a word you may hear others use.”

{Matzav.com}

Iranian officials have conveyed to the Trump administration that they are unwilling to resume negotiations with special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, instead indicating a preference to deal with Vice President JD Vance, according to two regional sources who spoke with CNN on Tuesday.

The communication, delivered through indirect diplomatic channels, reflects Tehran’s view that talks involving Witkoff and Kushner would likely be unproductive. Iranian leaders reportedly believe that trust has eroded following the collapse of earlier negotiations that preceded military action by Israel and the United States.

Sources said that Vance is seen differently by Iranian officials. Compared to Witkoff, Kushner, and even Secretary of State Marco Rubio, he is perceived as more inclined toward ending the conflict.

“The perception is that Vance would be intent on wrapping up the conflict,” one of the sources told CNN.

At the same time, regional observers acknowledge that involving Vance carries its own challenges, noting that reaching a resolution to the conflict would be complex and difficult regardless of who leads the talks.

Despite Iran’s stated preferences, Witkoff continues to play a central role in U.S. diplomatic efforts. The sources added that Tehran may ultimately have little choice but to negotiate with whichever representatives are appointed by the Trump administration.

Reports surfaced last week claiming that a direct line of communication between Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi had been reopened. However, Araghchi publicly rejected that assertion.

Witkoff recently disclosed that during discussions over a potential nuclear agreement, Iranian officials claimed they had the capability to produce 11 nuclear weapons.

In an appearance on Fox News with Sean Hannity, Witkoff also said it was evident from those discussions that Iran had no real intention of reaching an agreement.

Earlier Tuesday, President Donald Trump stated that all senior members of his diplomatic team are taking part in the ongoing negotiations.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt emphasized that the decision over who represents the United States rests solely with the president.

“President Trump and only President Trump determines who negotiates on behalf of the United States. As the President stated today, Vice President Vance, Secretary Rubio, Special Envoy Witkoff, and Mr. Kushner will all be involved,” Leavitt said.

Looking ahead, a potential meeting between U.S. and Iranian officials later this week in Islamabad remains under consideration. However, even those supporting the idea are doubtful that it will ultimately take place, according to the sources.

In a separate report, Axios indicated that Iranian officials have told mediating countries that they feel they have already been misled twice by Trump and are wary of repeating that experience, saying “we don’t want to be fooled again.”

{Matzav.com}

A political and religious dispute intensified following the Knesset’s approval of a law expanding the authority of rabbinical courts, after former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett vowed to repeal the legislation if he returns to power.

The law, which passed its second and third readings in the Knesset plenum, allows rabbinical courts to adjudicate financial disputes as arbitrators with the consent of both parties. Bennett sharply criticized the measure, labeling it a “disgrace law” and declaring that he would act to overturn it immediately upon forming a new government, warning against what he described as the creation of “a state within a state.”

MK Moshe Gafni, chairman of Degel HaTorah, responded forcefully to Bennett’s remarks, calling them an embarrassment and defending the law as a measure that simply grants individuals the option to resolve disputes according to Torah law. He argued that the legislation respects both the Jewish and democratic character of the state. “It would be appropriate for opposition leaders to first focus on building public trust before making declarations about repealing laws in a desperate attempt to stand out,” Gafni said.

Gafni also pointed out that earlier proponents of similar legislation included prominent figures from the religious Zionist camp, such as Rabbi Yitzhak Levy and Rabbi Zevulun Orlev, who come from the same ideological background as Bennett. He compared the current opposition to past resistance against legislation regulating chametz in hospitals, arguing that it reflects an ongoing anti-Jewish agenda presented under the guise of democracy.

According to Gafni, Bennett is deliberately misleading the public about the nature of the law, emphasizing that it is based solely on voluntary consent and does not impose religious adjudication on anyone. He reiterated his criticism, stating: “It would be appropriate for opposition leaders to first focus on building public trust and bringing in voters, before making declarations about future coalitions and repealing laws, in a desperate attempt to stand out within the opposition bloc.”

{Matzav.com}

A wave of online speculation has erupted after a resurfaced social media post claimed to predict the death of King Charles III, following an earlier accurate prediction of Queen Elizabeth II’s passing.

The renewed attention centers on a screenshot of a tweet from June 2022 attributed to a user named Logan Smith, who appeared to list two significant dates concerning the British royal family. The first prediction stated that Queen Elizabeth II would die on September 8, 2022—a claim that was later fulfilled, drawing widespread attention at the time. Now, focus has shifted to the second part of the post, which references the current monarch.

According to the same tweet, posted approximately three months before the Queen’s death, King Charles III is predicted to die this coming Shabbos, March 28, 2026. The specific date has fueled intense discussion online, particularly among conspiracy theorists and followers of the royal family, especially in light of recent disclosures regarding the king’s health.

The original tweet, dated June 7, 2022, has garnered tens of thousands of shares and likes, becoming a major topic of conversation in the UK ahead of the weekend. Some users describe the prediction as an eerie coincidence or an example of highly improbable guesswork, while others question the authenticity of the screenshot, suggesting it may have been altered after the fact to generate panic.

Buckingham Palace has not issued any official response to the circulating claims, and the king’s schedule continues as planned for now. Despite skepticism surrounding the prediction, many are watching closely to see whether the claim proves accurate or is ultimately dismissed as baseless online rumor.

King Charles is currently undergoing treatment for cancer, a condition publicly disclosed by Buckingham Palace in early February 2024. According to the official statement at the time, the illness was discovered during a medical procedure.

Since then, the king has begun a course of regular treatment. While continuing to carry out his constitutional duties behind the scenes—including weekly meetings with the British prime minister and handling state documents—he has significantly reduced his public appearances in accordance with medical advice.

{Matzav.com}

A controversial bill mandating the death penalty for terrorists moved a step closer to becoming law overnight after the Knesset’s National Security Committee approved it for its second and third readings, clearing more than 2,000 objections along the way.

The legislation, a central component of coalition agreements involving the Otzma Yehudit party, stipulates that a terrorist responsible for the killing of an Israeli civilian with intent to harm the state would be sentenced to death by hanging.

National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir welcomed the development, saying: “The death penalty law for terrorists is the most important law the Knesset has enacted in recent years, and it is meant to protect our children. With G-d’s help, we will fully implement this law and kill our enemies.”

Under the proposed law, a distinction is made between cases inside Israel’s pre-1967 borders and those in Judea and Samaria. In the latter, military courts would be authorized to impose the death penalty as the default sentence, unless special reasons are found to instead issue life imprisonment. Committee chairman MK Tzvika Fogel stressed the deterrent effect of the measure, stating: “The bill approved today is a significant step in restoring deterrence. Anyone who comes to murder Jews as an act of terror—his blood is on his own head.”

MK Limor Son Har-Melech added: “This law is uniquely Jewish and moral,” while MK Avichai Boaron said the Likud party is proud to be part of the initiative. Meanwhile, MK Oded Forer of Yisrael Beytenu called on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to show up for the decisive Knesset vote and not avoid taking a position.

Opposition lawmakers strongly criticized the legislation. MK Gilad Kariv described it as “a pathetic election campaign” and warned of serious consequences for Israel’s ability to negotiate future hostage deals. “This is an extreme bill with moral flaws and security foolishness that will only increase bargaining and revenge attacks,” Kariv said.

Legal advisers to the committee also raised concerns, including the absence of a mechanism for granting clemency, which they noted could conflict with international agreements.

Despite support from right-wing lawmakers, the bill is expected to face significant legal challenges, with Israel’s Supreme Court likely to have the final say on its constitutionality.

{Matzav.com}

25Leaked remarks attributed to Ziv Agmon, who serves in practice as chief of staff and spokesperson to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, triggered a political storm Tuesday night after revealing sharp criticism of Netanyahu, Likud lawmakers, and members of the Sephardic community.

The comments, reportedly taken from multiple conversations—including phone calls—and broadcast by Channel 12 News, shed light on the views of one of Netanyahu’s closest remaining advisers during the ongoing war.

In the recordings, Agmon was heard making offensive remarks about Jews of Middle Eastern descent, saying: “It’s not good that Morocco was opened to Israeli tourism—now we know where our Moroccans came from. From Africa. A baboon is a monkey.”

He also directed harsh criticism at Likud Knesset members, ridiculing both their background and qualifications: “Nissim Vaturi is a baboon, Eli Revivo is a retarded Moroccan. It’s unclear how these people were elected to the Knesset. Eli Dalal is a nobody. Who would know these people? What a bunch of baboons. It’s a shame the whole list can’t just be appointed and skip the primaries.”

Agmon was further quoted making claims about the prime minister’s son: “Yair came to the Foreign Ministry and forced Eli Cohen to issue him a diplomatic passport, even though there was no justification for it.”

Following the October 7 attacks, Agmon allegedly turned his criticism toward Netanyahu himself, stating: “Bibi is finished. The question is whether a state will remain.”

He continued: “He has to go home. I wonder who will handle the hostage negotiations—Karhi or Amsalem? This is a finished country.”

Referring to reports—denied by Netanyahu—that Egypt had warned Israel ahead of the attack, Agmon said: “Likud is finished. The Egyptians need to release the recording of the conversation with Bibi—he’s done.”

Agmon also reportedly expressed interest in joining a rival political camp, saying: “I want a spot on Gantz’s list. I’m honestly much more suited to him than to the monkeys.”

He further attacked the Shas party, stating: “Shas—they only know how to take money, that’s what this party does.”

In response to the report, Agmon issued a statement denying the remarks, particularly those concerning the Sephardic community: “I do not intend to respond to all the slanderous statements attributed to me tonight, but there is one matter I cannot remain silent about. Anyone who knows me and my work with the prime minister knows very well that the words attributed to me regarding Jews of Middle Eastern descent are completely foreign to me—not least because a large part of my own family comes from Sephardic and Moroccan backgrounds. A serious injustice has been done to me here.”

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The United States has quietly delivered a detailed proposal to Iran aimed at bringing an end to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, according to a report published Tuesday by The New York Times, which cited two officials familiar with the diplomatic effort.

The proposal, consisting of 15 points and reportedly transmitted through Pakistan, has an uncertain status within Iran’s leadership. It remains unclear how broadly it has been circulated among Iranian officials, whether Tehran is prepared to consider it as a foundation for negotiations, and whether Israel supports the initiative.

While The New York Times did not obtain the document itself, the officials, who spoke anonymously, outlined its general framework. They indicated that the proposal addresses key concerns surrounding Iran’s ballistic missile capabilities as well as its nuclear program.

According to one of the officials, the plan also deals with maritime security. Since hostilities began, Iran has effectively prevented many Western vessels from safely navigating the Strait of Hormuz, a vital passageway for global energy shipments, disrupting oil and gas flows and driving prices sharply higher.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that diplomatic efforts are underway but emphasized that military operations continue. “As President Trump and his negotiators explore this newfound possibility of diplomacy, Operation Epic Fury continues unabated to achieve the military objectives laid out by the commander in chief and the Pentagon.”

Pakistan has taken on a central role in facilitating communication between Washington and Tehran. Officials told The New York Times that Pakistan’s army chief, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, has emerged as a primary intermediary, with Egypt and Turkey also urging Iran to engage in meaningful dialogue. Munir’s reported connections to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps have positioned him to relay messages between both sides.

In recent outreach, Munir contacted Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Iran’s parliament speaker and a former commander in the Revolutionary Guards, suggesting that Pakistan serve as host for potential talks between the United States and Iran. This was confirmed by both an Iranian and a Pakistani official, each speaking anonymously due to the sensitive nature of the discussions.

Munir has met twice with President Trump in 2025, during which Trump expressed strong admiration for him, referring to him as his “favorite field marshal.”

Speaking to reporters at the White House on Tuesday, President Donald Trump addressed the conflict with Iran and suggested that Tehran had already made a significant gesture toward the United States, stating that Iran had delivered “a very big present.”

When asked why he would pursue negotiations despite longstanding distrust, Trump responded, “Because they’re going to make a deal. They’re going to make a deal.”

He pointed to a recent undisclosed development as a sign of progress. “They did something yesterday that was amazing, actually. They gave us a present, and the present arrived today. It was a very big present, worth a tremendous amount of money. And I’m not going to tell you what that present is, but it was a very significant prize, and they gave it to us.”

A day earlier, Trump announced a temporary halt to certain military actions, declaring a five-day suspension of “any and all military strikes against Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure” to create space for negotiations between Washington and Tehran. He added that the United States is in contact with “very solid” individuals within Iran.

Reports that followed suggested that Ghalibaf was acting as Iran’s representative in discussions with the United States, but he publicly rejected those claims.

“Our people demand the complete and humiliating punishment of the aggressors. All officials stand firmly behind their Leader and people until this goal is achieved,” Ghalibaf wrote on social media.

He further insisted that no diplomatic engagement had occurred, stating, “No negotiations with America have taken place. Fake news is intended to manipulate financial and oil markets and to escape the quagmire in which America and Israel are trapped.”

As Israel faces ongoing security challenges and painful losses, one place continues to reflect a different kind of reality—where life begins each day with the sound of newborn cries. At Shaare Zedek Medical Center in Yerushalayim, which records more than 22,000 births annually, staff are managing the country’s busiest maternity system under the extraordinary conditions of wartime.

In an interview, Bat Ami Yisrael, who has served for 17 years as head of nursing in the hospital’s maternity and newborn division, described the complex preparations, dramatic moments during air raid sirens, and the emotional scenes of husbands arriving straight from the front lines to the delivery room.

One of the most immediate challenges at the outbreak of the war was ensuring the safety of mothers, newborns, and medical staff, while maintaining uninterrupted care. To achieve this, the hospital carried out a rapid logistical overhaul.

“The entire maternity system is operating fully in protected areas,” Yisrael explained. “The delivery rooms were relocated to a dedicated and private secure complex, and the maternity triage unit was moved entirely into a shelter. Our goal was clear: when a siren sounds, the mothers and staff remain where they are. No one needs to run anywhere. Even if we are in the middle of a cesarean section, care continues as usual, and the sirens simply pass over us.”

She noted that the maternity wards, nursery, and neonatal intensive care unit remain in their original above-ground locations, as those areas are already well fortified. “It creates two parallel worlds,” she said. “Outside there is war, and inside we continue to bring life into the world, giving mothers a complete sense of security.”

The pressures of war have also changed how women arrive to give birth. Hospital staff have observed two main trends: some women come very early out of fear of being caught on the road during a siren, while others arrive at the last possible moment and give birth quickly.

To address both the heavy volume and the need to remain in protected areas, the hospital established a new dedicated induction unit adjacent to a shelter, designed for women who require labor induction. “In the past, women would have to wait until a delivery room became available,” Yisrael said. “Today, thanks to the new unit, the induction process begins immediately, without delays. We are seeing tremendous satisfaction among mothers.” She added that no prior registration is required to give birth at the hospital.

One of the greatest challenges during this time has been the absence of husbands, many of whom have been called up for reserve duty. “We have quite a few stories of husbands who missed the birth because they were in Gaza, or those who arrived directly from combat, and sadly also husbands who were injured in the war,” Yisrael said. In such cases, the maternity staff step in with even greater support, surrounding the mother with care and emotional strength.

One story illustrates the intensity of the situation: a woman was on her way to the hospital when a siren sounded, forcing the couple to stop along the road. Labor progressed rapidly in the car, and by the time they reached the hospital parking lot, the baby was already being delivered. “Our midwives literally ran out to meet them in the parking lot and delivered the baby there,” Yisrael recalled. “There was a great deal of uncertainty because of the siren on the way, but everything ended well, and the power of that moment was indescribable.”

For the medical staff, working in a maternity ward during wartime brings a unique sense of purpose. In contrast to the loss and grief reported daily, they experience a profound sense of mission.

“There is an overwhelming feeling of pride and of being part of something divine,” Yisrael said. “Every birth is powerful, but when you know that outside people are being killed, and here you are part of the continuation of the world and bringing new life—it is a privilege like no other. This is our true victory.”

{Matzav.com}

The Israeli government on Tuesday authorized a plan to designate land in Yerushalayim for the construction of a permanent United States Embassy, advancing a long-term project to establish a fixed diplomatic presence in the capital.

The proposal, brought forward by Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu together with Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar and Construction and Housing Minister Chaim Katz, allocates a site within the Allenby Complex for the future embassy building in Yerushalayim.

Netanyahu and the two ministers described the move as a major milestone, noting that it brings to completion a diplomatic process that began when President Donald Trump formally recognized Yerushalayim as Israel’s capital during his first term and moved the U.S. Embassy there.

They said the establishment of a permanent embassy facility represents a lasting and visible symbol of American recognition of Yerushalayim as Israel’s capital, as well as the enduring relationship between the two nations. They added that the decision comes at a time when Israel and the United States are closely aligned in confronting the Iranian regime, giving the development added importance as a reflection of their strategic partnership and shared principles.

The ministers also conveyed appreciation to U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee for his cooperation in advancing the initiative, along with officials from Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs who were involved in bringing the plan to completion.

Israel’s Compensation Fund has received 17,683 claims for property damage since the start of Operation “Roaring Lion,” reflecting the widespread impact of missile attacks and ongoing hostilities across the country.

According to data released Tuesday by the Israel Tax Authority, 84 Compensation Fund teams are currently operating nationwide, working alongside engineers and appraisers to assess damage and assist affected residents. These teams are coordinating closely with local authorities in various impacted areas.

The distribution of teams highlights the scope of the response effort: 35 teams are deployed in the Arad and Dimona region, 25 are operating in central Israel, and 20 are working in the north. An additional four teams have been assigned to hotels housing evacuees, where they are helping displaced individuals file claims.

A breakdown of the claims shows that 11,846 were submitted for structural damage to buildings, 1,744 for damage to contents and equipment, 3,721 for vehicle damage, and 372 for other types of losses. Officials noted that the figures do not yet include damage reported from incidents in central Tel Aviv earlier Tuesday.

The report also indicates significant progress in processing claims. A total of 14,323 claims—about 81 percent—have already been assessed, either through on-site evaluations by appraisers or through a fast-track process that does not require a physical inspection.

The expedited track, introduced during the war, allows claims for structural and contents damage of up to 30,000 shekels to be processed without waiting for an appraiser’s visit. Under this system, approvals can be granted within seven days of submitting a complete claim. So far, 2,689 claims have been filed through this fast-track route.

Tel Aviv-Yafo leads all cities in the number of claims, with 3,879 filings, followed by Be’er Sheva with 2,793. Other heavily affected cities include Beit Shemesh with 1,357 claims, Arad with 1,265, and Petach Tikvah with 641. Additional figures show 845 claims in Dimona, 496 in Rishon LeZion, 449 in Ramat Gan, 380 in Bnei Brak, and 246 in Yerushalayim.

By regional service centers, the Tel Aviv district recorded 8,058 claims, followed by Ashkelon with 6,924. The Akko region reported 1,725 claims, Tiberias 533, Yerushalayim 402, and Eilat 41.

Due to the high volume of claims, authorities have warned that delays in appraiser visits are possible. The Compensation Fund is encouraging residents, where eligible, to use the fast-track system. In cases where that is not possible, individuals are advised to obtain repair estimates in advance to help speed up the claims process.

Residents whose homes or property were damaged by missile fire can report incidents through the Tax Authority’s hotline at *4954 or submit claims online via its official website. Officials say the data reflects a broad national effort to respond to damage and provide timely compensation while easing the burden on affected civilians.

{Matzav.com}

The Israeli Air Force carried out a large-scale series of strikes on Tuesday targeting Iran’s military production infrastructure, including what the IDF described as its most important explosives manufacturing facility.

According to the IDF, the operation, directed by military intelligence, focused on production sites belonging to the Iranian regime in the Isfahan region.

Among the targets was a central explosives production plant, identified as a major facility where the regime develops and produces explosive materials used in a wide range of weapons. The site had previously been struck during Operation “With a Lion,” and in recent months, renewed activity had been identified indicating attempts by the regime to rehabilitate it.

In addition, Israeli aircraft, operating under intelligence guidance, struck dozens of other regime targets throughout the day using more than 120 munitions. These targets included ballistic missile launch sites, weapons manufacturing facilities, and defensive systems belonging to the Iranian regime.

The IDF said in a statement: “The IDF continues to deepen the strike against the regime’s military industries in order to deny the production capabilities it has built over many years.”

{Matzav.com}