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Yidden across Eretz Yisroel and around the world marked Shavuos with extraordinary scenes of Torah learning, tefillah, and spiritual elevation in the great chassidic courts, yeshivos, and botei medrash. From historic hachnosas Sifrei efer Torah and massive gatherings at the Kosel to heartfelt tefillos for the recovery of Rav Dov Kook of Teveria, the days of zeman matan Toraseinu were filled with inspiration and emotion.

Throughout Shavuos and Shabbos, tefillos continued for the recovery of the tzaddik Rav Dov Kook of Teveria, who has remained hospitalized at Poriya Medical Center for more than two weeks. Family members reported that during the Yom Tov he responded several times by opening his eyes when spoken to, though his condition remains serious and no major improvement has yet been seen. The tzibbur continues to be urged to strengthen itself in tefillah, kabbolos, and acts of chizuk for the complete recovery of Rav Dov HaKohen ben Shoshana.

Close associates said his sons, Rav Shmuel and Rav Yisroel Meir, the rov of Ashdod, remained near him throughout the Chag together with his grandson Rav Mordechai Shalosh. Tefillos for the Yom Tov were held close to his room, and despite his weakened condition, Rav Dov reportedly reacted several times to those around him.

In the court of Gur in Yerushalayim, preparations had been made well in advance for the tens of thousands of chassidim who arrived to spend the Chag with the Rebbe. Organizers prepared 6,500 dining accommodations and another 6,200 sleeping arrangements. Nineteen aufrufs for upcoming chassanim were celebrated over Shabbos. The Rebbe also hosted a kiddush in honor of his nephew’s wedding and announced after Shabbos that any bochur who had celebrated a bar mitzvah but had not yet received a Tehillim from the Rebbe could still come and obtain one.

In Belz, joyous news spread on Erev Shavuos with the birth of a great-granddaughter to the Rebbe, born to his grandson Rav Dovid Rokeach. The Rebbe himself led many of the tefillos over Yom Tov. The kiddusha rabba celebrating the birth was held on Shabbos Naso in Kiryas Belz with tens of thousands of chassidim in attendance from around the globe. The child was named Chaya Devorah after the Rebbetzin, wife of the Maharid of Belz, whose yahrtzeit falls this week.

During the emotional ne’ilas hachag gathering in Belz, the Rebbe’s gabbai, Rav Shimon Wolf Klein, announced that the campaign supporting lomdei Torah in Eretz Yisroel would continue into a third year amid what he described as growing governmental pressure against the Torah world through budget cuts and other decrees.

The gabbai praised the extraordinary mesirus nefesh shown by Belzer chassidim over the past two years in supporting kollel families and announced that the Rebbe’s “Keren Hatzolas HaTorah” would continue carrying an annual burden of roughly 12 million shekels. A public appeal was issued asking every Belzer chossid to undertake support for at least one kollel yungerman for a month at a cost of 900 shekels, or $300 abroad, while encouraging wealthier supporters to sustain multiple avreichim to ensure the continued strength of Torah learning.

In Vizhnitz, chassidim celebrated a historic hachnosas sefer Torah written by the Rebbe during the medical treatments he underwent in Los Angeles. On Erev Yom Tov, the Rebbe danced with the Torah atop a specially constructed platform. A lengthy tish followed Friday night davening, during which the Rebbe spoke about the upcoming yahrtzeit of Rav Yehudele Horowitz of Dzikov and invited Rav Mordechai Genut, publisher of the “Davar B’Ito” calendar, to share stories about the tzaddik.

Thousands also gathered in the court of Boyan in Yerushalayim, where the Rebbe spent the Chag with the chassidim in the central kloiz. Before Yom Tov, hundreds of bochurim assembled for a special two-hour learning seder. On Shabbos morning, the Rebbe invited the chassidim to the upcoming wedding of his granddaughter, daughter of the Ziditshov Chicago Rebbe. Motzoei Shabbos, the Rebbe held Kiddush Levanah in the newly developed expansion area behind the kloiz.

A particularly elevated atmosphere filled the Vizhnitz beis medrash throughout Shavuos. Before Yom Tov, the Rebbe toured the rapidly advancing construction site of the future Vizhnitz World Center. In the early morning hours of Shavuos night, the traditional Vizhnitz kedrusa d’tzafra gathering took place. The aliyah for Aseres Hadibros was reportedly purchased for four million dollars by a benefactor who dedicated the contribution toward construction of the new mikveh in the grand beis medrash.

In Toldos Avrohom Yitzchok in Meah Shearim, davening on Shavuos concluded at 5:30 p.m. The Rebbe’s Friday night tish stretched from nearly midnight until close to 4:00 a.m. Shabbos morning, the Rebbe remarked emotionally that the chassidim who remained awake throughout the night had reached the level of “malachim.”

Hundreds of chassidim traveled to Antwerp for Shavuos with the Pshevorsker Rebbe in what locals described as unprecedented numbers. During the Chag, before Akdomus, a new sefer Torah donated by philanthropist Reb Dovid Leibish Yaakobovich was brought into the beis medrash with great celebration.

A rare moment took place in the court of Lelov when, after receiving the aliyah for Aseres Hadibros, the Rebbe personally recited a Mi Shebeirach for the Vizhnitzer Rebbe’s recovery, something chassidim said is virtually unheard of, as such tefillos are normally handled by the gabbai.

In Sadigura, chassidim learned about the continued expansion of the Ateres Yisroel kollel network, which now includes more than 200 avreichim in seven branches throughout Eretz Yisroel. The Rebbe encouraged participation in “Yissochor-Zevulun” partnerships and announced a special upcoming trip to Chevron for supporters of Torah.

In Pinsk-Karlin, a Shabbos aliyah celebration took place ahead of the wedding of the Rebbe’s grandson, Yitzchok Menashe Rosenfeld. The wedding is scheduled for Tuesday in Beitar Illit.

In Sassov, a new sefer Torah written collectively by the chassidim in honor of the Rebbe was brought into the beis medrash in Ganei Tikvah with a large procession on Erev Yom Tov.

Thousands also traveled to Ukraine for Shavuos, particularly to Mezhibuzh at the kever of the Baal Shem Tov, whose yahrtzeit falls on Shavuos. The Makova rov traveled from Eretz Yisroel to lead the gathering. Accommodations were organized by Agudas Ohalei Tzaddikim. Hundreds more spent the Chag in Uman near the kever of Reb Nachman of Breslov.

Among the gedolei Yisroel and yeshivos, the atmosphere was equally uplifting.

Rav Moshe Sternbuch spent Shavuos with his talmidim in Ramat Beit Shemesh. Before Maariv on Erev Yom Tov, he addressed the crowd with words of chizuk. He participated in the all-night learning in the yeshiva and later personally recited a Mi Shebeirach for donors supporting the construction of new yeshiva buildings. On Shabbos, a kiddusha rabba was held in honor of the birth of his great-granddaughter.

Rav Meir Tzvi Bergman led tefillos in his beis medrash at Yeshivas Rashbi in Bnei Brak. Large crowds lined up after Maariv to receive a heartfelt “Gut Yom Tov.” During the Chag, he conducted Mi Shebeirachs for many gedolim and roshei yeshiva in need of refuos.

At the home of the mashgiach Rav Dan Segal, a special event was held marking the publication of “Yeshuas Dan,” his sefer on Ketzos HaChoshen. The mashgiach recited Shehecheyanu and shared a l’chaim with talmidim and supporters.

In Ponevezh Yeshiva, Rav Berel Povarsky received the aliyah of shlishi and later recited a special Mi Shebeirach for the thousands of talmidim and supporters of the yeshiva. The yeshiva additionally marked a full year since beginning use of its new sefer Torah dedicated to the memory of Rav Gershon Edelstein.

At Mir Yeshiva, the batei medrash were overflowing with thousands of talmidim, avreichim, and alumni led by the roshei yeshiva and mashgichim. Special preparation shmuessen were delivered before Yom Tov, and emotional singing filled the beis medrash before Shacharis. Rav Eliezer Yehuda Finkel received the aliyah for Aseres Hadibros while Rav Binyomin Finkel lained with visible emotion and tears. The yeshiva also celebrated the birth of a grandson to the mashgiach during the Chag.

The former Rishon Letzion, Rav Yitzchak Yosef, davened in his Or Chaviv beis medrash in Sanhedria surrounded by hundreds of talmidim who walked from across Yerushalayim to hear his shiurim on the halachos of Yom Tov.

Rav Chaim Feinstein instructed rabbonim delivering shiurim about korbanos on Shavuos night to avoid any implication encouraging practical korbanos today, amid recent controversies surrounding Har Habayis activism.

An especially unique initiative took place at Yeshivas Nachalas HaTorah in Bnei Brak. Following a pre-Yom Tov address by Rav Naftali Kopschitz, bochurim introduced a new seder they called “the cherry on top.” Rather than collapsing into bed after davening and eating dairy foods, bochurim returned to the beis medrash for an additional intense learning session before finally resting. Participants described those few extra minutes of Torah as the crowning achievement of their entire Shavuos.

At Kisei Rachamim, Rav Tzemach Mazuz led the traditional Tikkun Leil Shavuos. Witnesses described visible emotion on the rosh yeshiva’s face as he exclaimed “Oraisah, Oraisah” during the recitation of the Zohar. Thousands joined him in singing songs of longing and love for Torah.

Meanwhile, the Western Wall Heritage Foundation reported that more than 100,000 people visited the Kosel over Shavuos and Shabbos. The peak came at sunrise davening on Shavuos morning, when over 20,000 people packed the Kosel plaza for vasikin, singing, and the recitation of Akdomus. Tens of thousands of personal kiddush packages were distributed afterward in partnership with Colel Chabad. Thousands also streamed to the nearby kever of Dovid Hamelech throughout the Chag in observance of his yahrtzeit.

{Matzav.com}

A British radio station sparked confusion and panic after mistakenly announcing the death of King Charles III during a live broadcast due to a computer malfunction that accidentally triggered the country’s emergency “monarch death protocol.”

The incident occurred at the well-known British station Radio Caroline, which abruptly interrupted its programming, aired the British national anthem, and then went silent for roughly 15 minutes before returning to regular broadcasts and issuing an apology.

According to a report in The Independent, listeners were stunned by the dramatic announcement, which falsely stated that King Charles had died. In reality, the monarch was alive and well at the time and was visiting Northern Ireland alongside Queen Camilla.

Peter Moore, the station’s manager, later published a public apology on the station’s Facebook page explaining that a technical failure struck the station’s main studio in Maldon, Essex, on Tuesday afternoon.

Moore said the malfunction accidentally activated what is known in Britain as the “monarch death protocol,” an emergency broadcasting system maintained by radio stations across the country in preparation for the death of a reigning monarch.

“Radio Caroline then fell silent, as required under the protocol, which alerted us that we needed to restore normal programming and issue an on-air apology,” Moore wrote. “We apologize to His Majesty the King and to our listeners for any distress caused.”

He added that the station has long taken pride in broadcasting royal celebrations and hopes to continue doing so for many years to come.

Britain’s Press Association reported that recordings of the controversial broadcast between 1:58 p.m. and 5 p.m. were later removed from the station’s website and were no longer available for replay.

The false report quickly ignited strong reactions online, with many listeners initially believing the shocking announcement before realizing it was a mistake.

One listener said he was completely stunned at first, but after speaking with his wife and neighbors, he realized the report was false and eventually began laughing about the incident.

Another listener recalled hearing the announcement while working in his garage. He rushed home in panic and shouted to his wife that King Charles had died. She immediately reminded him that the king had appeared healthy just a day earlier while attending a flower exhibition.

After checking news websites and discovering that the announcement was merely a broadcasting error, the couple joked that perhaps they should stop drinking alcohol for a while.

In reality, King Charles and Queen Camilla were in Belfast on Tuesday for their first visit to Northern Ireland this year, where they even attended a performance by an Irish folk band.

Just one day earlier, the king — who has recently been undergoing treatment for cancer and was hospitalized not long ago — toured the prestigious Chelsea Flower Show in London.

Radio Caroline, which began operating in 1964, originally gained fame as a so-called “pirate radio” station established to challenge the broadcasting dominance of the BBC. In its early years, the station transmitted from ships anchored off the coast of England.

Although British legislation passed in 1967 forced many pirate radio stations to shut down, Radio Caroline continued operating intermittently for decades. The station permanently ended its offshore broadcasts in 1990 and today operates from land-based studios.

{Matzav.com}

A heavily armed man was shot dead by Secret Service agents this evening after opening fire near the White House in a chaotic scene that left at least one bystander seriously wounded, according to sources familiar with the incident.

Authorities identified the gunman as 21-year-old Nasire Best, who allegedly began shooting near a security checkpoint around 6:10 p.m. after drawing the attention of law enforcement by pacing erratically along 17th Street Northwest.

Sources said Best pulled out a revolver and fired several rounds before Secret Service officers responded with a barrage of gunfire, killing him at the scene before he could advance further.

At least one civilian nearby was struck during the exchange and suffered serious injuries, sources said.

Investigators have not yet confirmed a motive for the attack, though sources described Best as a mentally unstable individual who had previous encounters with federal authorities around White House security zones.

According to the sources, Best had repeatedly loitered near restricted areas surrounding the White House and had previously violated a court order barring him from the grounds.

“FBI is on the scene and supporting Secret Service responding to shots fired near White House grounds – we will update the public as we’re able,” FBI Director Kash Patel wrote on X.

The sudden eruption of gunfire sent journalists and White House correspondents scrambling for safety as many were conducting live broadcasts and routine reporting outside the building.

“I was in the middle of taping on my iPhone for a social video from the White House North Lawn when we heard the shots,” said Selina Wang, a senior ABC White House correspondent.

“It sounded like dozens of gunshots. We were told to sprint to the press briefing room where we are holding now.”

Following the shooting, Secret Service personnel immediately locked down the White House complex and instructed reporters gathered on the North Lawn to run into the briefing room for protection. The lockdown remained in effect for roughly 30 minutes before officials declared the area secure.

The incident unfolded less than two hours after President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that he was in the Oval Office working on negotiations related to a possible peace agreement with Iran.

Records show that Best had multiple prior interactions with police and federal security personnel. On June 26, 2025, he was involuntarily committed after allegedly obstructing traffic near 15th Street and E Street NW.

He was later arrested again on July 10, 2025, on an unlawful entry charge after allegedly bypassing a restricted pedestrian checkpoint near the White House by walking through an exit turnstile lane.

Court documents from that earlier arrest stated that “[Best] claimed he was [Yoshka] and that he wanted to get arrested.”

Officials have not determined whether Saturday’s shooting was politically motivated, but lawmakers from both parties quickly denounced political violence in the aftermath of the attack.

House Speaker Mike Johnson praised the response of federal agents and expressed concern for the victims.

He offered thanks to the “brave Secret Service agents who took quick, decisive action to protect President Trump, and our prayers are with victims of tonight’s senseless shooting for a speedy recovery.”

Rep. Cory Mills echoed those sentiments, stating that “there is no place in America for political violence, and every leader should be condemning it unequivocally.”

Rep. Betty Column also condemned the violence and urged Americans to “unite behind a common belief that our differences should be resolved at the ballot box.”

Today’s shooting is the latest in a series of violent security incidents tied to national politics in recent years.

The attack came roughly a month after another gunman opened fire at the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner while Trump was attending the event. It also follows the July 2024 assassination attempt against Trump during a campaign rally, when a gunman grazed his ear during the shooting.

{Matzav.com}

Tulsi Gabbard announced Friday that she is stepping down as Director of National Intelligence in order to care for her husband following his diagnosis with what she described as “an extremely rare form of bone cancer.”

Gabbard informed President Donald Trump of her decision during a meeting in the Oval Office earlier in the day. Her resignation will officially take effect on June 30.

In a resignation letter obtained by Fox News Digital, Gabbard thanked Trump for entrusting her with the leadership of the nation’s intelligence apparatus over the past year and a half.

“I am deeply grateful for the trust you placed in me and for the opportunity to lead the Office of the Director of National Intelligence for the last year and a half.”

She then formally announced her departure from the administration.

“Unfortunately, I must submit my resignation, effective June 30, 2026,” she wrote. “My husband, Abraham, has recently been diagnosed with an extremely rare form of bone cancer.”

Gabbard said the diagnosis has created an urgent personal situation requiring her full attention in the months ahead.

“My husband faces major challenges in the coming weeks and months.”

“At this time, I must step away from public service to be by his side and fully support him through this battle,” she said.

In her letter, Gabbard praised her husband for standing beside her throughout her military and political career, calling him a constant source of support during some of the most difficult periods of her life.

“Abraham has been my rock throughout our eleven years of marriage — standing steadfast through my deployment to East Africa on a Joint Special Operations mission, multiple political campaigns and now my service in this role.”

“His strength and love have sustained me through every challenge,” she continued. “I cannot in good conscience ask him to face this fight alone while I continue in this demanding and time-consuming position.”

President Trump later responded publicly to the announcement in a post on Truth Social, praising Gabbard’s work in the administration and expressing confidence that her husband would recover.

“Unfortunately, after having done a great job, Tulsi Gabbard will be leaving the Administration on June 30th.”

“Her wonderful husband, Abraham, has been recently diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer, and she, rightfully, wants to be with him, bringing him back to good health as they currently fight a tough battle together,” he continued. “I have no doubt he will soon be better than ever. Tulsi has done an incredible job, and we will miss her. Her highly respected Principal Deputy Director of National Intelligence, Aaron Lukas, will serve as Acting Director of National Intelligence.”

Gabbard said she is proud of the changes made during her tenure at ODNI but acknowledged that work remains unfinished.

“I have made significant progress at the ODNI — advancing unprecedented transparency and restoring integrity to the intelligence community,” she said, while noting that “there is still important work to be done.”

She pledged to help facilitate an orderly transition before leaving office.

“I am fully committed to ensuring a smooth and thorough transition over the coming weeks so that you and your team experience no disruption in leadership or momentum.”

She concluded her letter by thanking both Trump and the American public.

“Thank you for your understanding during this deeply personal and difficult time for our family.”

“I will remain forever grateful to you and to the American people for the profound honor of serving our nation as DNI.”

Later Friday, Gabbard shared the resignation letter publicly on X, writing that “It has been a profound honor to serve the American people as DNI.”

During her tenure, Gabbard led a sweeping restructuring effort within the intelligence community, overseeing significant reductions in staffing levels and initiatives she said would save taxpayers more than $700 million annually. Her office also dismantled diversity, equity, and inclusion programs throughout the intelligence agencies.

This month, Gabbard ordered the declassification of more than 500,000 pages of federal documents, including records connected to the Trump-Russia investigation as well as the assassinations of President John F. Kennedy and Senator Robert F. Kennedy.

She also authorized the release of records tied to the origins of the Trump-Russia “Crossfire Hurricane” investigation, arguing the documents demonstrated that Obama administration officials politicized intelligence regarding Russia’s 2016 election interference in an effort to weaken Trump after his first presidential victory.

Among her other initiatives, Gabbard established the federal government’s first “Weaponization Working Group,” which was designed to coordinate investigations into what the administration described as the Biden administration’s misuse of federal agencies against political opponents.

Under Gabbard’s leadership, the National Counterterrorism Center also intensified efforts targeting narco-terrorism. According to the administration, the agency blocked more than 10,000 individuals tied to narco-terrorism from entering the United States during 2025 and added more than 85,000 others with similar connections to the federal terror watchlist.

{Matzav.com}

The IRS is considering adding a citizenship-status question to next year’s federal tax forms as the Trump administration continues efforts to tie immigration enforcement more closely to federal agencies, according to people familiar with the internal discussions.

Sources said IRS officials are reviewing two possible versions of the standard Form 1040, the main tax return document Americans use to report income and apply for deductions and credits. The individuals spoke anonymously due to concerns about professional consequences.

One draft reportedly contains only routine revisions tied to updates in federal tax law. The second version includes the same changes but also introduces a new section asking taxpayers to identify whether they are non-citizens or hold dual citizenship.

The proposed language on the form reads: “Check this box if you are a non-U.S. citizen or have dual citizenship.”

Officials at the Treasury Department, which oversees the IRS, declined to comment Friday on the reported proposal.

Under current law, foreign nationals living in the United States — including illegal aliens — are still required to file tax returns and generally use the same federal tax documents as American citizens. Supporters of immigration reform have long argued that paying taxes should be considered when determining whether illegal immigrants may eventually qualify for legal status.

The reported proposal comes after months of efforts by the Departments of Treasury and Homeland Security to coordinate more closely on immigration enforcement matters.

Throughout much of 2025, the two agencies worked to establish systems allowing immigration officials to gain access to confidential taxpayer information as part of the Trump administration’s broader deportation initiative.

That effort, however, hit a legal roadblock in November when a federal judge barred the IRS from handing over taxpayer records to DHS. The administration later appealed the ruling.

Court filings earlier this year also revealed that the IRS improperly transferred information tied to more than 42,000 taxpayers to the Department of Homeland Security. The agency acknowledged the error in February during proceedings related to the case.

{Matzav.com}

Sharp criticism erupted tonight over reports of a developing ceasefire and diplomatic agreement between the United States and Iran, with Senator Lindsey Graham and Yisrael Beiteinu chairman Avigdor Lieberman warning that the arrangement could dramatically strengthen Tehran’s position in the Middle East.

Graham, who is widely viewed as a close ally of President Donald Trump, posted a strongly worded reaction on social media questioning the logic behind any agreement that leaves Iran capable of threatening the Strait of Hormuz or attacking Gulf oil infrastructure.

“If a deal is struck to end the Iranian conflict because it is believed that the Strait of Hormuz cannot be protected from Iranian terrorism and Iran still possesses the capability to destroy major Gulf oil infrastructure, then Iran will be perceived as being a dominate force requiring a diplomatic solution.”

He warned that such an outcome would reshape the balance of power across the region in Iran’s favor and create long-term dangers for Israel and America’s allies.

“This combination of Iran being perceived as having the ability to terrorize the Strait in perpetuity and the ability the inflict massive damage to Gulf oil infrastructure is a major shift of the balance of power in the region and over time will be a nightmare for Israel. Also, it makes one wonder why the war started to begin with if these perceptions are accurate. I personally am a skeptic of the idea that Iran cannot be denied the ability to terrorize the Strait and the region cannot protect itself against Iranian military capability. It is important we get this right.”

Lieberman also attacked the emerging agreement, arguing that any arrangement allowing the Iranian regime to remain in power poses a direct threat to Israel.

“Any deal leaves all the ayatollahs in power. And one must understand, regarding producing an atomic bomb, any advanced country today can produce one. For example, Germany and Japan. That is a political decision. Maybe it will take them a month and a half, maximum three months.”

He argued that the real danger lies not in Iran’s technological capabilities alone, but in the ideology of its leadership.

“There is all the technological infrastructure, all the knowledge, available manpower, no one is concerned, neither Japan nor Germany, because there there is a responsible measured elected leadership. In Iran, on the contrary, there is a fanatic leadership that says its supreme goal is the destruction of the State of Israel, and it does not matter what kind of deal it is,” he said.

Lieberman also addressed Israeli domestic politics, saying his political ambitions remain unchanged as coalition negotiations continue behind the scenes.

“I have two objectives: to bring down the October 7 government and to be prime minister,” Lieberman clarified.

Discussing the possibility of joining a future coalition, Lieberman said he would insist on sweeping military conscription changes as a condition for participation.

“There will not be a single exemption,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Financial Times reported that Washington and Tehran are nearing a deal that would extend the ceasefire for an additional 60 days.

According to the report, the agreement would include a phased reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and discussions regarding either diluting or removing Iran’s stockpile of enriched uranium. The report also said the United States is expected to ease restrictions on Iranian ports, soften sanctions, and permit the gradual release of frozen Iranian assets held overseas.

The Associated Press, citing multiple individuals involved in the negotiations, reported that both sides are now reviewing the draft agreement and hope to reach a final decision within the next 48 hours.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Bakayi told Iranian media that negotiations are approaching the finish line.

“We are in the final stages of drafting a memorandum of understanding to end the war.”

Bakayi said the remaining discussions are centered on concluding the conflict and resolving issues tied to the release of Iran’s frozen financial assets abroad.

President Donald Trump announced tonight that a sweeping agreement involving Iran and several Middle Eastern nations is nearing completion, saying the remaining details are expected to be revealed “shortly.”

In a lengthy message posted to Truth Social, Trump said he had participated in a major call from the Oval Office with a number of Arab and regional leaders to discuss what he described as a developing peace framework tied to Iran.

“I am in the Oval Office at the White House where we just had a very good call with President Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, of The United Arab Emirates, Emir Tamim bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani, and Minister Ali al-Thawadi, of Qatar, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir Ahmed Shah, of Pakistan, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, of Türkiye, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, of Egypt, King Abdullah II, of Jordan, and King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, of Bahrain, concerning the Islamic Republic of Iran, and all things related to a Memorandum of Understanding pertaining to PEACE.”

Trump indicated that negotiators have already reached broad consensus on the framework and that only final steps remain before the agreement is formally unveiled.

“An Agreement has been largely negotiated, subject to finalization between the United States of America, the Islamic Republic of Iran, and the various other Countries, as listed. Separately, I had a call with Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu, of Israel, which, likewise, went very well.”

He added, “Final aspects and details of the Deal are currently being discussed, and will be announced shortly. In addition to many other elements of the Agreement, the Strait of Hormuz will be opened. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”

According to Reuters, the developing arrangement is expected to proceed in three phases: formally ending the conflict, addressing tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, and beginning a 30-day negotiating period aimed at reaching a broader long-term understanding, with an option to extend those talks if needed.

Saudi outlet Al Hadath reported that an official familiar with the negotiations said a public declaration could come within “a few hours.”

A source involved in the talks also told The Washington Times that Washington and Tehran are expected to jointly confirm the agreement by Sunday afternoon. The source said negotiators finalized a draft proposal early Saturday and anticipated an announcement within 24 hours.

The report added that senior negotiators on both sides have already approved the draft text, leaving only formal signoff from the leadership of the participating countries.

Al Jazeera, citing an Iranian source, reported that the proposed memorandum would include an end to the war, the lifting of the blockade, reopening the Strait of Hormuz, and the removal of American forces from the active conflict zone.

According to the report, “the memorandum of understanding includes ending the war, lifting the siege, opening the Strait of Hormuz, and the withdrawal of American forces from the war zone. The memorandum of understanding does not include nuclear issues because they are complex and require time for negotiations. Thirty days after the agreement, the door can be opened to nuclear negotiations.”

Even as momentum toward an agreement appeared to build, Trump cautioned that a final outcome was far from guaranteed.

Speaking to Axios, Trump said the odds of reaching what he considers an acceptable deal remain uncertain. “solid 50/50,” he said, before adding, “I think one of two things will happen: either I hit them harder than they have ever been hit, or we are going to sign a deal that is good.”

Trump also said he does not believe Prime Minister Binyomin Netanyahu fears the United States will agree to unfavorable terms. He reiterated that any final agreement would address Iran’s nuclear enrichment capabilities and its stockpile of highly enriched uranium.

{Matzav.com}

A ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran could be formally announced as early as Sunday, according to multiple reports, setting off growing debate in Washington over whether the proposed arrangement would strengthen Tehran’s position in the region.

Reuters reported that the emerging agreement would unfold in three phases: first, a formal declaration ending the war; second, steps aimed at stabilizing the crisis surrounding the Strait of Hormuz; and third, the opening of a 30-day negotiating period for a broader long-term accord, with the possibility of extending those talks.

Saudi outlet Al Hadath cited an official who said the announcement is expected within “a few hours.”

Meanwhile, a source familiar with the discussions told The Washington Times that American and Iranian officials are preparing to unveil the finalized agreement by Sunday afternoon. The source said negotiators reached consensus on a draft framework early Saturday and anticipated a public announcement within a 24-hour period.

According to the report, senior negotiators from both countries have already signed off on the draft, leaving only final authorization from the leadership on each side before it can move forward.

The White House declined to comment on the report from The Washington Times.

The possibility of a ceasefire drew immediate criticism from some Republican lawmakers, who warned that any agreement leaving Iran with leverage over regional shipping lanes or oil infrastructure could embolden the regime.

US Senator Lindsey Graham responded, “If a deal is struck to end the Iranian conflict because it is believed that the Strait of Hormuz cannot be protected from Iranian terrorism and Iran still possesses the capability to destroy major Gulf oil infrastructure, then Iran will be perceived as being a dominate force requiring a diplomatic solution.”

He continued, “This combination of Iran being perceived as having the ability to terrorize the Strait in perpetuity and the ability the inflict massive damage to Gulf oil infrastructure is a major shift of the balance of power in the region and over time will be a nightmare for Israel.”

Graham also questioned the logic behind the conflict if the final result leaves Iran with the same military leverage that initially triggered the confrontation.

“Also, it makes one wonder why the war started to begin with if these perceptions are accurate. I personally am a skeptic of the idea that Iran cannot be denied the ability to terrorize the Strait and the region cannot protect itself against Iranian military capability.”

“It is important we get this right.”

US Senator Roger Wicker voiced similar concerns, warning against trusting Tehran to negotiate honestly under a temporary ceasefire arrangement.

“The rumored 60-day ceasefire – with the belief that Iran will ever engage in good faith – would be a disaster. Everything accomplished by Operation Epic Fury would be for naught!”

{Matzav.com}