Washington announces new sanctions against entities linked to Iranian oil trade, despite negotiations
The United States has announced sanctions against a number of Iranian companies and ships involved in the oil and petrochemical trade, the U.S. State Department said on Friday, despite negotiations between U.S. and Iranian officials in Oman to avoid war.
In a statement, the department said it had targeted "14 vessels in Iran's ghost fleet," identified as "owned by entities involved in the transportation of Iranian oil, petroleum products, and petrochemical products," as well as "15 entities that traded in crude oil, petroleum products, or petrochemical products of Iranian origin," in addition to "two associated individuals."
The text also states that these measures are part of its commitment to "continue to take action against the network of carriers and traders involved in the transport and acquisition of Iranian crude oil," which constitutes "the regime's main source of revenue."
It also accuses Tehran of having "repeatedly prioritized its destabilizing behavior at the expense of the safety of its own citizens," citing in particular "the mass killing of peaceful protesters" in the context of the crackdown on the recent nationwide protest movement that shook Iran in January.
Araghchi: 'We can reach a positive framework for nuclear talks'
"If we continue along this path, I think we can reach a positive framework for nuclear talks between Iran and the United States," Araghchi told reporters.
He emphasized that negotiations had taken place through "several" indirect meetings.
"The discussions must continue," he said.
Iran, US concluded their 'talks' in Oman, a 'good start,' according to Araghchi
Iran and the United States concluded their "talks" in Oman, according to Iranian state media, as reported by AFP.
Speaking after the talks ended, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said it was a "good start."
"Our views were conveyed to the other side, which is very important," he said, emphasizing that the mediators conveyed "the concerns, interests, and rights of the Iranian people" to the Americans, all in "a very good atmosphere."
"We also heard the positions of the other side," he stressed, according to Al Jazeera.
New pro-Palestinian flotilla will depart for Gaza at end of March
A new flotilla carrying humanitarian aid and pro-Palestinian activists, similar to the one that departed last fall, will set sail at the end of March from several European and North African countries to try to reach Gaza, a member of the flotilla told AFP.
The Global Sumud flotilla described its new operation as "the largest coordinated humanitarian intervention in history in support of Palestine," with the planned mobilization of "thousands" of people "from more than 100 countries," according to a statement.
"We will embark from Barcelona [Spain], Tunis, Italy, and many other ports that we have not yet made public," said Brazilian activist Thiago Avila.
A land convoy will also attempt to reach Gaza from an unspecified location, according to the Global Flotilla Sumud, which is counting on the participation of "more than 1,000" doctors, nurses, health workers, teachers, engineers, as well as "investigators specializing in war crimes and ecocide."
Barrot received by Berri in Ain al-Tineh
(Credit: Mohammad Yassin/L'Orient-Le Jour)
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot was received in the early afternoon by the head of the Lebanese Parliament, Nabih Berri, in Ain al-Tineh, according to the state-run National News Agency.
Oman negotiations: Iranian source warns against presence of 'US military officials'
An Iranian diplomatic source told Reuters that any "presence of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) officials or military officials from countries in the region at the negotiations could jeopardize the indirect nuclear talks between Iran and the United States" in Oman.
Iran specified that it wanted Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff to discuss only the nuclear issue in Oman.
US-Iran negotiations: Araghchi, Bussaidi Discussed “Conditions for Resuming Diplomatic and Technical Negotiations”
The Omani Foreign Ministry stated that discussions with Iran and the United States focused on preparing “appropriate conditions for resuming diplomatic and technical negotiations” between the U.S. and Iran, Reuters reports.
Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi met with his Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araghchi, in the morning before holding talks with U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff.
Despite 'complexities,' legal cases progressing between Lebanon, Syria: Syrian Justice Minister
Syrian Justice Minister Mazhar al-Wais, speaking from Beirut after the signing of the agreement, reported progress in handling several sensitive legal cases between the two countries, despite "the existing complexities."
He indicated that "measures have been taken regarding the case of those who disappeared and spent long periods in detention" in Syria.
He further stated that "the Syrian authorities are working on developing a timetable to address the cases of detainees not included in the current agreement."
Wais concluded by stating that the progress made constitutes "an important step on the path to justice."
Lebanon, Syria sign agreement for transfer of approximately 300 Syrian prisoners to Damascus
Deputy Prime Minister Tarek Mitri announced alongside Syrian Justice Minister Mazhar al-Wais, at the Grand Serail, that Lebanon “has signed the agreement with Syria for the transfer of convicted Syrian prisoners to their country.”
Led by Mitri since September, this issue of transferring Syrian prisoners has resulted in the adoption of an agreement between Beirut and Damascus concerning the repatriation of prisoners convicted in Lebanon to their country of nationality.
According to the terms of the draft agreement, approved by the government last week, approximately 300 Syrian prisoners could be affected, out of a total of about 2,250 Syrians currently imprisoned in Lebanon.
“We have signed an agreement with Syria for the transfer of convicted Syrian prisoners to their country,” said Mitri, stressing that “this agreement is the result of sustained efforts and the expression of a common political will affirming that Lebanese-Syrian relations are based on trust and mutual respect.”
Behind the headlines: Our analysis of US-Iran talks and their potential effects on the region
People walk past an anti-U.S. mural on a street in Tehran, Iran, Feb. 5, 2026. (Credit: Majid Asgaripour/WANA/Reuters)
With U.S.-Iran ongoing negotiations hanging in the balance, Laure Maissa Farjallah dives into why Tehran might risk confrontation with the U.S. rather than a “capitulation” of its regime, and what could be at stake for the region.
US-Iran negotiations: Witkoff and US delegation meet with Omani mediators
U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff met with Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Bussaidi, according to the state-run Iranian news agency IRNA.
According to the Associated Press, upon arriving in Muscat, the U.S. convoy visited a palace on the outskirts of the capital, near the airport, where negotiations between Tehran and Washington had already taken place last year.
In photo: Syrian Justice Minister arrives at Grand Serail to sign judicial agreement with Lebanon
(Credit: Mohammad Yassin/L'Orient-Le Jour)
Syrian Justice Minister Mazhar al-Wais arrived at the Grand Serail in Beirut to sign a judicial agreement with Lebanon.
This agreement provides for the transfer to Syria of Syrian prisoners convicted in Lebanon and held in Lebanese prisons.
China says it supports Iran in defending its interests and opposes any 'intimidation'
China indicated its support for Iran in defending its "interests" and in the face of "intimidation," according to a statement released by the Chinese Foreign Ministry just before important talks between Tehran and Washington.
Beijing "supports Iran in defending its sovereignty, security, and national dignity, as well as its legitimate rights and interests," said Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Miao Deyu during a meeting Thursday in the Chinese capital with his Iranian counterpart, Kazem Gharibabadi.
"China opposes any unilateral intimidation or use of force in international relations," Miao emphasized to his Iranian counterpart, who briefed him on the internal situation in Iran and Tehran's nuclear program, according to the Chinese statement.
US-Iran talks begin in Oman, according to Iranian state television
Nuclear talks have begun in Oman between Iran and the United States, according to state television, as reported by AFP.
The Iranian delegation is represented by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, while U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff represents the United States.
South Lebanon: Israeli artillery fire, loud explosion heard in 2 border areas overnight
On Thursday evening, after 10 p.m., Israeli artillery fire targeted the outskirts of Yaroun, in the Bint Jbeil district, reports our correspondent in southern Lebanon.
Furthermore, shortly after 11 p.m., a loud explosion was heard in and around the town of Odaisseh (Marjayoun district), the nature of which has not yet been determined, our correspondent adds.
Meanwhile, while Prime Minister Nawaf Salam is scheduled to tour southern Lebanon on Saturday, with stops in Sour, Nabatieh, Marjayoun, and Hasbaya, residents of the border town of Ramaya (Bint Jbeil district) are expressing their disappointment that their village is not on his itinerary.
“Faced with continued Israeli aggression against their land and sovereign rights,” the residents of Ramaya denounced “the absence of a visit from the prime minister to their village to witness firsthand the suffering of its inhabitants.”
They condemned a “clear failure to uphold national responsibilities” and “neglect” towards them.
Iran will defend itself against 'excessive demands or attempts at adventurism' by US: Araghchi
Abbas Araghchi met this morning in Muscat with his counterpart from the Sultanate of Oman, the country mediating nuclear talks with the United States that are set to begin shortly.
Araghchi and Badr al-Busaidi "discussed the most important bilateral, regional, and international issues," reported the Iranian news agency Mehr, as quoted by AFP, which published a photo of the two diplomats seated behind a table on which their respective countries' flags were placed.
Oman previously served as a mediator between Iran and the United States for nuclear negotiations in the spring of 2025.
Araghchi holds talks with his Omani counterpart ahead of nuclear negotiations
Araghchi holds talks with his Omani counterpart, according to Iranian media, reports AFP.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot expected in Beirut
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot is expected in Beirut today for a series of meetings with Lebanese political leaders. This visit is part of his regional tour, which previously included Syria and Iraq.
He is scheduled to meet with his Lebanese counterpart Joe Rajji, President Joseph Aoun, Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, and Army Chief Rodolph Haykal, who is returning from a three-day visit to Washington.
Barrot's visit coincides with Haykal's presentation to the Cabinet of his vision for the second phase of the Hezbollah disarmament plan, which concerns the region between the Litani and Awali rivers.
Barrot's last visit to Lebanon dates back to December 2024, just before the election of Aoun to the presidency.
Agreement expected today to transfer convicted Syrian prisoners held in Lebanon to Syria
Lebanon and Syria are scheduled to sign an agreement at 11 a.m. concerning the transfer to Syria of Syrian prisoners who have been convicted and are currently incarcerated in Lebanese prisons, the Lebanese prime minister's office announced.
This agreement, approved last week by the government, is a request from Damascus as part of ongoing discussions between the two countries to improve relations. It will be signed amidst overcrowding in Lebanese prisons.
The signing will take place at the Grand Serail in Beirut.
On the Lebanese side, the signing will be attended by Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, Deputy Prime Minister Tarek Mitri (responsible for Syrian relations), and Justice Minister Adel Nassar.
Syrian Justice Minister Mazhar al-Wais will represent Syria, accompanied by an official delegation.
Iran: US advises citizens to 'depart immediately'
The United States advised its citizens overnight to "depart immediately" and to prepare a "departure plan that does not rely on assistance from the U.S. government."
The reason given by the U.S. "virtual" embassy in Tehran is that "enhanced security measures, road closures, disruptions to public transportation, and internet outages are ongoing."
Furthermore, "the Iranian government continues to restrict access to telephone networks," and "airlines continue to limit or cancel flights to and from Iran," the U.S. argues.
This message follows one issued on Jan. 14, which also urged citizens to "depart Iran immediately."
U.S. President Donald Trump was then preparing to launch an attack — ultimately delayed, or even canceled — against Iran, against the backdrop of the bloody crackdown on protests that swept through the Islamic Republic of Iran in late 2025.
The United States has not maintained an embassy in Tehran since the severing of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 1980.
U.S. interests in Iran are officially represented by the Swiss embassy in Tehran.
US-Iran: Iran calls for 'mutual respect' ahead of talks with Washington, says it 'remains marked by last year's memory'
Araghchi called for "mutual respect" shortly before the start of talks.
"Equality, mutual respect, and reciprocal interest are not empty words, but indispensable conditions and the pillars of a lasting agreement," the diplomat wrote in an English-language message on X.
"Iran embarks on the diplomatic path with full awareness, and marked by the memory of last year," Araghchi also wrote.
In June 2025, while talks between the two sides were stalled, Israel launched a massive attack on Iran, triggering a 12-day war during which the United States bombed Iranian nuclear sites.
US-Iran talks: Araghchi arrives in Oman
The Iranian Foreign Minister arrived in Oman on Thursday evening for nuclear talks with the United States, the state-run Iranian IRNA news agency reported, as cited by AFP.
Araghchi "arrived in Muscat, the capital of Oman, to participate in a new round of nuclear talks with the American delegation," the agency stated.
The Iranian minister is scheduled to meet with the U.S. envoy for the Middle East, Steve Witkoff.
Good morning. We are now launching our live coverage of the Middle East.
This Friday, we will be following the talks scheduled to take place in Muscat, Oman, between Tehran and Washington regarding the fate of Iran's nuclear program.
We will also be covering the ongoing Israeli strikes on southern Lebanon and Gaza, despite existing cease-fire agreements, as well as developments in Syria and the rest of the region.
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