Iran's IRGC forces 'lying in wait' if Trump restarts combat; talks reach critical phase
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned that its forces are “lying in wait” if the President Donald Trump resumes combat operations, as the outlook for a potential deal remains uncertain and tensions continue to cloud diplomatic efforts.
Iranian report on draft memo of understanding is 'complete fabrication': White House
The White House Rapid Response account sharply rebuked Iranian state TV reporting Wednesday that claimed Tehran had seen a draft framework for a potential memorandum of understanding with the U.S.
The statement directly challenges earlier Iranian state TV claims that a draft agreement would include U.S. forces withdrawing from the vicinity of Iran, the lifting of a naval blockade and restored commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz within one month.
Those reports had briefly fueled market optimism, sending oil prices lower on expectations that Hormuz shipping disruptions could ease.
Before the X post, the White House did not confirm nor deny the details reported when reached for comment by Fox News Digital.
“As President Trump has said, negotiations are proceeding nicely and he has made his redlines clear," White House assistant press secretary Olivia Wales told Fox News via email.
"President Trump will only make a good deal for the American people, which must ensure that Iran can never have a nuclear weapon.”
WH responds to Iranian state TV MOU reports: 'Trump will only make a good deal'
The White House, which has often criticized media reports from Iranian state TV, has replied to Fox News Digital's request for comment on the latest reports coming from the regime's media on the allegedly obtained memorandum of understanding.
“As President Trump has said, negotiations are proceeding nicely and he has made his redlines clear," White House assistant press secretary Olivia Wales told Fox News via email when reached for comment.
"President Trump will only make a good deal for the American people, which must ensure that Iran can never have a nuclear weapon.”
Iran says draft U.S. deal would reopen Hormuz, end naval blockade
Iranian state TV said Wednesday that a draft framework for a potential agreement with the U.S. would require American military forces to withdraw from the vicinity of Iran and lift the naval blockade.
In return, Iran would commit to restoring the number of commercial transit ships moving through the Strait of Hormuz to pre-war levels within one month, according to the state TV report.
Military vessels would not be included in the draft agreement.
The management and route of ship traffic through the Strait of Hormuz would be handled by Iran in cooperation with Oman, Iranian state TV reported.
If a final deal is reached within 60 days, the agreement would be approved as a binding United Nations Security Council resolution, according to the reported framework.
Iranian state TV cautioned that the Islamabad memorandum framework is not yet finalized and said Tehran would take no step without “tangible verification.”
The dollar dropped sharply after the report, as the economy reacted to the prospect of restored commercial shipping through the key energy corridor.
Reuters contributed to this report.
Israel gets first U.S. KC-46 tanker, boosting long-range Iran strike options
Israel received its first U.S.-made KC-46 midair refueling aircraft Wednesday, giving the Israeli Air Force expanded options for potential independent long-range strikes on Iran and other distant targets, the IDF said.
The aircraft, which Israel will call “Gideon,” is the first of at least six tanker planes being delivered as part of a broader force buildup, working with President Donald Trump.
The KC-46 can carry up to 15% more fuel and double the refueling capacity per flight compared with Israel’s older “Raam” refueling aircraft.
The aircraft would have “significantly increased” Israel’s refueling and flight capacity had it been available during the recent Iran war, according to an IDF Lt. Col.
The KC-46 gives the air force a much fuller ability to “roam and strike anywhere necessary throughout the Middle East,” he added.
The delivery could give Israel greater independence if it decides to strike Iran, the Houthis in Yemen or another distant adversary without U.S. operational support.
Much of Iran is at least 1,500 kilometers from Israel, while Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen are roughly 1,800 kilometers away or farther.
The aircraft still needs minor adjustments but is expected to become operational almost immediately, with another KC-46 expected next month and additional deliveries planned through 2030.
Oil tumbles over 5% as Iran deal hopes ease Hormuz fears
Oil prices extended losses Wednesday, falling more than 5% after Iranian state TV said it had seen a draft framework for a potential agreement with the U.S. that would end the conflict and reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
The report, along with increased tanker traffic through the critical waterway, outweighed earlier concerns after Iran accused the U.S. of violating a ceasefire and a tanker reported an explosion off Oman’s coast.
U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude fell $5.19, or 5.59%, to $88.70 a barrel by 1305 GMT, while Brent crude dropped $3.66, or 3.7%, to $95.92. Both benchmarks touched their lowest intraday levels in more than a month.
Iranian state TV said the draft framework would have U.S. military forces withdraw from the vicinity of Iran and lift the naval blockade, while ship traffic through the Strait of Hormuz would be managed by Iran in cooperation with Oman.
“The market keeps reacting to headlines,” UBS analyst Giovanni Staunovo said, cautioning that Iran has also indicated a deal is not imminent and that oil flows through the Strait remain restricted.
Reuters contributed to this report.
Iran and Houthi terror proxy facing Red Sea threat from pro-US African nation
Iran is said to be ‘deeply threatened’ by the small African breakaway state, Somaliland, because of the potential for U.S., Israeli and Western powers to use its deep water port and airbase.
Such moves would severely disrupt Iran’s plan to use their proxy, Yemen’s Houthi terror group, to attack Red Sea shipping.
Iran has been accused of pressuring the Houthis to renew their strikes on shipping, particularly in the Red Sea’s Bab-el-Mandeb Strait. The waterway has become the main route for oil to ship out of the Middle East to Asia since the Strait of Hormuz was effectively closed.
"Iran’s regime is deeply threatened by what Somaliland represents in an emerging pro‑Western, potentially pro‑Israel foothold overlooking the Bab el‑Mandeb, that could blunt Tehran’s leverage via the Houthis over Red Sea shipping and Israel," Lisa Daftari, a Middle East and foreign policy expert, told Fox News Digital.
This is an excerpt from Fox News' Paul Tilsley's report.
IDF issues immediate evacuation order for Tyre, Lebanon, surrounding areas
The Israeli military issued an immediate evacuation order Wednesday for the southern Lebanese city of Tyre, nearby refugee camps and surrounding neighborhoods ahead of potential strikes.
The IDF said residents in the mapped areas should leave their homes immediately and move north of the Zahrani River, warning that any movement south of the river could put civilians at risk.
The order cited what Israel called Hezbollah’s violation of the ceasefire agreement and targeting of Israeli territory, saying the military was preparing to respond “forcefully.”
The evacuation alert named Tyre and several surrounding areas and camps, including Shabriha, Hamadiya, Jal al-Bahr, Al-Bas, Burj al-Shamali, Rashidiya and Ain Baal.
The IDF said it does not intend to harm civilians but warned that buildings used by Hezbollah for military purposes might be targeted.
The news comes one day after President Donald Trump reconfirmed his confidence in Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Brent crude tumbles as Iran says draft US deal would reopen Hormuz
Brent crude extended its losses to more than 5% Wednesday after Iranian state TV said a potential deal with the U.S. would reopen commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
The move built on earlier market optimism after Iran’s state broadcaster said Tehran had obtained a draft framework for an initial, unofficial memorandum of understanding with Washington.
Under the reported framework, U.S. military forces would withdraw from the vicinity of Iran and lift the naval blockade, while Iran would restore commercial transit through Hormuz to pre-war levels within one month.
Oil had already been under pressure as traders weighed signs of progress in U.S.-Iran talks against the risk of renewed fighting around one of the world’s most important energy chokepoints.
The latest drop suggests markets are pricing in a lower risk of sustained disruption to Gulf shipping if a deal is reached.
The reported draft comes after CENTCOM said 109 commercial vessels had been redirected under the U.S. blockade against Iran, underscoring how much shipping through the region has been affected by the stalled war negotiations.
Reuters contributed to this report.
Trump won’t leave Iran without enriched uranium, investor says
President Donald Trump is unlikely to leave Iran without securing its highly enriched uranium, arguing that the material remains central to any pause in the conflict, a Wall Street expert said Wednesday morning.
“I don't believe we'll leave Iran without the 900 pounds of highly enriched uranium,” Bass told Fox Business Network’s “Mornings with Maria.”
Bass, the founder and chief investment officer of Hayman Capital Management, said the issue dates back to Trump’s first administration and his decision to withdraw from the Iran nuclear deal.
"Iran clearly was lying to us from day one," Bass told host Maria Bartiromo. "They built centrifuges 300ft below the surface, and they were highly they were making highly enriched uranium. And the only thing that's for is for bombs.
"So, you know, when Obama gave them $150 billion and Biden released their money and we were all hoping they were going to build it on schools and roads, Maria. They built it on bombs and missiles and everything.
"They're aiming at not only us, but the other GCC [Gulf Cooperation Council]. So we won't leave without that uranium."
Iran state TV claims draft framework for US deal is in hand
Iranian state TV said Wednesday it has obtained a draft of an initial, unofficial framework for a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the U.S., signaling possible movement in efforts to reach a deal.
The reported draft comes as Washington and Tehran have sent mixed signals on the status of negotiations, with President Donald Trump previously saying an emerging MOU was “largely negotiated” and Iranian officials warning that no final agreement is imminent.
Reported terms under discussion have included reopening the Strait of Hormuz, lifting restrictions tied to the naval blockade and setting a window for further talks on Iran’s nuclear program, though key details remain unresolved.
Reuters contributed to this report.
CENTCOM: 109 ships diverted in Strait of Hormuz blockade
U.S. Central Command said 109 commercial vessels have been redirected as American forces continue enforcing a blockade against Iran near the Strait of Hormuz.
The USS Delbert D. Black destroyer has been operating in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility as part of Operation Epic Fury, patrolling the Arabian Sea in support of the operation.
The number marks a continued increase in diverted ships after CENTCOM said last week that the blockade had reached a milestone of 100 redirected vessels.
The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical flashpoint in the standoff with Tehran, with U.S. forces seeking to enforce compliance while protecting regional shipping lanes.
Iran’s supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, would have to approve any final deal with the U.S. through secret courier networks while remaining in hiding as a "designated target," counterterrorism experts said Tuesday.
The unprecedented arrangement, they claimed, means Washington is negotiating a high-stakes accord with an entirely invisible counterparty, with a potential memorandum signed by a regime leader and a "designated target" who can never publicly show his face."
Khamenei is a designated target, and every confirmed sighting is a coordinate," Dr. Omar Mohammed told Fox News Digital.
"The courier system used for messaging is not transitional. It is the operating system of his rule. Any deal the United States signs will have to be designed for a permanently invisible counterparty whose enforcement depends on his continued survival."
Iran leadership that remains stays in hiding to avoid being the next targets of airstrikes.
"That is not arms control as it has been conventionally understood. It is a memorandum signed under American military pressure, with a regime whose leader cannot show his face."
This is an excerpt from Fox News' Emma Bussey's report.
Israel confirms it killed Hamas' latest military leader Mohammed Odeh
Israel said Wednesday it killed Mohammed Odeh, the new leader of Hamas’ military wing, in airstrikes on Gaza City less than two weeks after his predecessor was killed.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz and the IDF said Tuesday’s strikes targeted Odeh, whom Katz called “one of the architects” of the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attacks that triggered the war in Gaza.
“We pledged to eliminate everyone who led the October 7 massacre and this is what we will do: they are all bound to die, everywhere,” Katz wrote on X on Wednesday. “We pledged that Hamas will not hold civilian or military rule.”
Hamas has not commented on Israel’s claim, and relatives of a man named Mohammed Odeh confirmed he was killed but did not say whether he led the military wing.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also warned that Israel would pursue everyone connected to the massacre.
"We have now struck in Gaza Muhammad Deif - the leader of Hamas's military wing and one of the architects of the October 7 massacre," Netanyahu wrote Tuesday on X. "We will get to all of them."
The reported strike comes as a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas continues. Israel says its attacks are responses to Hamas violations or threats to its soldiers, while Palestinian health officials say civilians have been among the dead.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
VP Vance 'extremely hopeful' for Iran giving up nuclear weapons aspirations
Vice President JD Vance said he remains “extremely hopeful” that Iran will give up its nuclear weapons aspirations, even as talks between Washington and Tehran remain unresolved.
The Trump administration’s central goal is preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.
The added question is whether Iran would agree to "enforcement mechanism," Vance told NBC News on Tuesday.
The vice president has previously said the U.S. needs an “affirmative commitment” from Iran that it will not seek a nuclear weapon or the tools needed to quickly develop one, following marathon talks in Islamabad that ended without a deal.
The negotiations have centered in part on Iran’s highly enriched uranium stockpile, with President Donald Trump saying the U.S. will not allow Tehran to retain material that could shorten the path to weapons-grade enrichment.
US stock futures rise on cautious investor optimism on US-Iran peace deal
U.S. stock index futures rose Wednesday, extending gains on Wall Street and investors watched for signs that Washington and Tehran could reach a deal.
A fragile truce between the U.S. and Iran still holds despite recent U.S. strikes near the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran called a “gross violation” of the ceasefire agreement.
“The evolving situation in the Middle East and still-elevated bond yields may put the global stock rally to the test,” UBS analysts said. "Bouts of market volatility remain likely, as investors react to fresh headlines."
The S&P 500 and Nasdaq closed at record highs Tuesday, boosted by renewed enthusiasm around artificial intelligence, while Goldman Sachs raised its 2026 year-end S&P 500 target to 8,000 from 7,600 on continued strength in corporate earnings.
Reuters contributed to this report.
Iran's IRGC forces 'lying in wait' if Trump restarts combat; nuclear deal outlook remains hazy
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned Wednesday that its forces are "lying in wait" if President Donald Trump restarts combat operations, leaving the outlook for a nuclear deal between Washington and Tehran uncertain.
“The possibility of war is low because of the enemy’s weakness; the armed forces are lying in wait with full magazines,” Mohammad Akbarzadeh, deputy political chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy, said, according to the Tasnim news agency.
“Do not doubt that we will turn the area from Chabahar to Mahshahr into a graveyard for aggressors."
Those cities are near opposite ends of Iran’s long southern coastline as the Strait of Hormuz blockade remains a stressor on global oil supply.
The warning came as Iranian officials continued to cast doubt on diplomacy with the U.S., with one senior official saying Tehran’s highly enriched uranium stockpile is not on the table in current negotiations.
Trump has said the U.S. will not allow Iran to keep its reported 440-kilogram stockpile of uranium enriched to 60%, a level below weapons-grade but close enough to remain a major sticking point in talks.
Iranian officials also accused the U.S. of “gross violations” of a fragile ceasefire and said there is “zero trust” after new attacks on southern Iran, while the region remains volatile amid intensified Israeli strikes in Lebanon and continued warnings from Tehran over what it describes as enemy pressure, cyberattacks and covert operations.
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