Trump Delays Iran Deal as Israel Captures Lebanese
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- Trump told Fox News he is in "no hurry" to finalize a deal with Iran, demanding a nuclear‑free guarantee and seeking several amendments to the preliminary agreement during a White House meeting.
- Israel captured the strategic Beaufort Castle (Qalaat al‑Shaqif) near Nabatieh, marking its deepest incursion into Lebanon in 26 years, according to AP and Reuters.
- Iran's IRGC reported shooting down a U.S. drone over its waters, while a senior commander warned any further aggression would be met with a stronger response.
- Iran unveiled a new high‑speed naval attack craft, 27 Rajab, capable of 100 knots and equipped for long‑range cruise missiles.
- U.S. forces disabled a Gambia‑flagged vessel heading for an Iranian port, prompting Tehran to accuse Washington of betraying diplomacy.
Why it matters: Trump’s hard‑line stance stalls the $12 bn frozen‑asset release, limiting Iran’s cash flow, while Israel’s seizure of Beaufort Castle expands its foothold in Lebanon, and the U.S. disabling of a ship escalated Tehran’s claim of diplomatic betrayal.
