Iran Sets Strict Peace Terms as Trump Issues Nuclear Ultimatum

Tensions between Washington and Tehran reached a critical juncture on Wednesday as Iran outlined five non-negotiable preconditions for resuming direct negotiations to end the 75-day conflict. According to reports from the Fars News Agency, Tehran is demanding a full end to military hostilities in Lebanon, the lifting of all sanctions, the release of frozen assets, and formal recognition of Iranian sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz. These demands come amid a stalemate in diplomacy and increased military posturing, with Iranian commanders conducting drills near the capital to signal readiness for potential U.S. or Israeli strikes. President Donald Trump, traveling to Beijing for a summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping, responded with a firm stance on U.S. nuclear red lines. Trump stated that while he expects to discuss the conflict with Xi, the U.S. does not require Chinese assistance to handle the situation. He warned that the U.S. would "finish the job" through force if Iran rejects Washington's terms regarding its nuclear program. Meanwhile, U.S. intelligence reports that Iran has managed to restore operational status to 30 of its 33 missile sites along the Strait of Hormuz, maintaining its grip on the vital waterway despite a U.S.-led naval blockade. On the ground in Lebanon, the United Nations Interim Force (UNIFIL) expressed grave concern over the safety of peacekeepers following multiple drone detonations near its headquarters in Naqoura. The incidents involve escalating activity from Iranian-backed Hezbollah and the IDF. Economically, Brent crude futures saw a slight decline to $106.95 per barrel; however, Iran appears to be mitigating the impact of the blockade by securing new energy transport agreements with Iraq and Pakistan to ship oil and liquefied natural gas.