Progress in Diplomatic Talks on Iran: Vance

Lens Asia

14 May, 2026 02:57 PM

USA Vice President Vance. photo: BBC

US Vice President JD Vance has said that diplomatic efforts aimed at easing tensions with Iran are making positive progress. His remarks came after US President Donald Trump rejected Tehran’s recent proposal, calling it “unacceptable.”

Speaking to reporters at the White House on Wednesday (May 13, local time), Vance expressed optimism about the pace of negotiations. “We are moving forward. The key question now is whether that progress falls within the limits set by the president,” he said.

He also reaffirmed Washington’s position that Iran must never be allowed to obtain nuclear weapons, adding that the United States is working to ensure all necessary security guarantees to prevent that outcome.

Meanwhile, ahead of a possible second round of talks, Iran has reportedly placed several strict conditions on the United States. Tehran has indicated that it will not return to negotiations unless those conditions are met.

According to sources, Iran views these demands as the “minimum guarantees” required before any future discussions with Washington can proceed.

Iran’s reported conditions include:

1. An end to all war situations, particularly in conflict zones including Lebanon.

2. The removal of US sanctions imposed on Iran.

3. The immediate release of frozen Iranian assets.

4. Compensation for wartime damages.

5. Recognition of Iran’s sovereign rights over the Strait of Hormuz.

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Trump Declares Venezuela as Potential 51st US State

Lens Asia

14 May, 2026 02:53 PM

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US President Donald Trump has sparked fresh controversy by suggesting that Venezuela could become the 51st state of the United States. After previously hinting at the possibility of incorporating Canada, Trump has now turned attention toward the Latin American nation with a series of remarks that have drawn international attention.

In an interview with Fox News, Trump said he is considering the idea of making Venezuela a new US state.

Later on Tuesday, he referred to Venezuela as the “51st state” in a post on his social media platform Truth Social⁠. The post claimed that Venezuela’s massive oil reserves, estimated at nearly $40 trillion, are now under US control.

Trump’s comments came during his visit to China for talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, further intensifying international discussion surrounding the issue.

Following the remarks, Venezuelan interim President Delcy Rodríguez firmly rejected the idea, stating that Venezuela has no intention of becoming part of the United States and would never accept such a proposal.

Trump later shared a map on Truth Social⁠ showing the US flag placed over Venezuela with the caption “51st State.” The same post was later reshared by the White House’s official X account.

In another cryptic message, Trump wrote, “I want you,” adding further fuel to ongoing international debate over his statements and social media activity.

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Netanyahu’s Visit to UAE Amid Iran–Israel War Controversy

Lens Asia

14 May, 2026 08:59 AM

Netanyahu. Photo: BBC

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly made a secret visit to the United Arab Emirates amid the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel, according to his office.

In a statement released on Wednesday (May 13), it was claimed that during the visit he held a meeting with UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and that the talks marked significant progress in bilateral relations.

However, the United Arab Emirates has rejected Netanyahu’s claim. The country’s foreign ministry stated that there is no truth to the reported visit. It emphasized that relations with Israel are conducted through formal and open diplomatic channels, not through secret contacts.

The UAE also reiterated that ties with Israel were normalized in 2020 under the Abraham Accords, brokered by the United States, which were also joined by Bahrain, Morocco, and Sudan.

Meanwhile, tensions surrounding the UAE have increased amid the ongoing war. Iran has accused Abu Dhabi of maintaining close ties with Israel and the United States, calling it a threat to its national security, and has also claimed attacks on various locations in the UAE during the conflict.

On the other hand, after the conflict began on February 28, Israel reportedly deployed Iron Dome air defense systems in the UAE. Israeli military personnel were also sent to operate these systems, according to reports.

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Allegations Emerge Against Saudi Arabia Over Secret Strikes on Iran

Lens Asia

13 May, 2026 05:37 PM

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International sources have claimed that Saudi Arabia secretly carried out air operations in response to Iranian attacks. However, Saudi authorities have neither confirmed nor denied the reports. Likewise, Iran has avoided making any official comment on the matter.

For years, Saudi Arabia has relied heavily on security support from the United States, but recent tensions have raised concerns over its own national security. Iranian drone and missile attacks reportedly targeted military bases, airports, and oil facilities across the Gulf region. Instability in the Strait of Hormuz also affected global trade routes.

According to a report by The Wall Street Journal, the United Arab Emirates also took military action against Iran. The report suggests that Gulf Arab states have begun responding more directly to Iranian attacks.

Despite this, Saudi Arabia and the UAE appeared to differ strategically in their approach. While the UAE adopted a tougher stance, Saudi Arabia publicly called for de-escalation and continued diplomatic communication with Tehran. Reports indicate that discussions between the two countries also continued through the Iranian ambassador stationed in Riyadh.

Western and Iranian sources claim that Saudi Arabia warned Iran of stronger retaliation following the attacks. Diplomatic activity between the two sides later intensified, eventually leading to an informal understanding aimed at reducing tensions. Analysts believe both countries realized that an uncontrolled conflict could push the entire Middle East toward a wider war.

Tensions between Saudi Arabia and Iran had eased somewhat after diplomatic relations were restored in 2023 through Chinese mediation. However, the recent conflict has once again strained ties between the two regional rivals. To help stabilize the situation, Pakistan reportedly deployed fighter jets to Saudi Arabia and urged all parties to exercise restraint.

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13 Killed in Israeli Airstrikes in Lebanon

Lens Asia

13 May, 2026 05:35 PM

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At least 13 people were killed in Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon, according to the Lebanese Health Ministry. The victims included a soldier, a child, and two rescue workers.

The strikes were carried out in several areas on Tuesday. In the city of Nabatieh, five people were killed in one attack. Another strike near the town of Zebqine left four people dead, including a Lebanese soldier and a Syrian national.

In the Bint Jbeil area, four more civilians, including a child and a woman, were killed in separate airstrikes. Rescue operations were launched in several affected locations following the attacks.

Despite the announcement of a ceasefire, tensions between Israel Defense Forces and Hezbollah remain high. Israel says its operations are targeting Hezbollah-linked sites and members.

Since renewed fighting began in March, continuous strikes have been reported across southern Lebanon. Local sources say Israeli forces are still present in several border areas.

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Russia Tests Powerful ‘Sarmat’ Missile

Lens Asia

13 May, 2026 05:33 PM

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Russia has conducted another test of its nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), the “Sarmat.” Known by NATO as “Satan-2,” the missile is considered one of the world’s most powerful ICBMs.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said the missile is expected to be added to the country’s military arsenal by the end of this year. Moscow claims the missile has a range of nearly 35,000 kilometers and is capable of penetrating any missile defense system.

According to Russian state television, the Sarmat missile was developed to replace the Soviet-era Voyevoda missile system.

Development of the project began in 2011. However, one of its test launches in 2024 reportedly failed after a major explosion.

Analysts say international concerns over Russia’s growing nuclear capabilities are increasing amid the ongoing war in Ukraine. Research organizations estimate that Russia currently controls one of the world’s largest nuclear warhead stockpiles.

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US Spending in Iran Conflict Reaches $25 Billion: Pentagon

Lens Asia

30 April, 2026 12:02 AM

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The United States has spent around $25 billion so far on the ongoing military conflict involving Iran, according to the Department of Defense. A senior Pentagon official presented the spending details to the US Congress.

Acting Pentagon Comptroller Jules Hurst told a House Armed Services Committee hearing that a large portion of the total cost has gone into ammunition procurement. The committee’s top Democrat, Adam Smith, noted that there had been long-standing demands for transparency on these expenditures and welcomed the release of the figures.

The United States launched military operations against Iran on February 28. Although a ceasefire is currently in effect between the two sides, Washington has maintained an increased military presence in the Middle East. As part of this buildup, three aircraft carrier strike groups along with additional troops have been deployed to the region.

Meanwhile, public opinion in the United States regarding the conflict appears to be shifting. A recent survey shows that support for the operation has declined to 34 percent.

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JD Vance heads to Pakistan for Iran–US talks

Lens Asia

22 April, 2026 12:22 AM

JD Vance. Photo: CNN

US Vice President JD Vance is set to travel to Pakistan today as part of the second round of peace talks involving Iran and the United States. According to US-based media outlet Axios, he is expected to depart for Islamabad on Tuesday (April 21).

Citing three unnamed US officials, Axios reported that the visit is aimed at discussing a possible ceasefire and a broader agreement with Iran. Vance is likely to leave for Islamabad by Tuesday morning, although exact timing remains uncertain.

Some sources suggest the trip could begin later on Monday night, while others indicate a Tuesday morning departure. A direct flight from Washington to Islamabad takes around 14 hours.

Axios further stated that Iran has already given internal approval for participation in the talks, reportedly with the consent of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei. However, Tehran has not yet publicly confirmed its involvement.

Meanwhile, the UK-based Guardian also confirmed Vance’s planned visit to Pakistan, though it did not cite specific sources.

The report added that US President Donald Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff and his son-in-law Jared Kushner are also expected to join Vice President Vance in the negotiations.

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IRGC Forces US Navy to Retreat in the Strait of Hormuz

Lens Asia

20 April, 2026 12:18 PM

The Strait of Hormuz

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of Iran has reportedly compelled US naval forces to withdraw from positions near the Strait of Hormuz in the Gulf of Oman. The information was reported by Iran’s state-run Press TV.

The incident began around an Iranian-flagged vessel named Touska. While attempting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, the ship came under interception by US forces. Washington alleged that the vessel violated its imposed naval restrictions. US naval units later targeted the ship and forced it to turn back toward Iranian waters.

In response, IRGC naval units quickly arrived at the scene. According to the report, their rapid deployment and operational presence altered the situation, leading US forces to leave the area.

The development has further escalated tensions between Washington and Tehran, despite an ongoing ceasefire arrangement. The United States has not yet issued any official statement regarding the incident.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints. At one time, nearly 20 percent of global crude oil and liquefied natural gas passed through this route. Earlier this month, following the collapse of Iran-US talks, Washington tightened naval restrictions in the region, significantly disrupting shipping activity to Iranian ports. Iran’s IRGC had previously imposed a virtual blockade over the same waterway.

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Iran Faces Nationwide Internet Blackout for 37 Consecutive Days

Lens Asia

5 April, 2026 11:55 PM

Photo: BBC

Iran has experienced a complete nationwide internet blackout for 37 straight days, setting a new global record, according to internet monitoring organization NetBlocks.

The group reports that this ongoing total disconnection is now the longest ever recorded for any country. Lasting 37 consecutive days—approximately 864 hours—it has surpassed all previous instances of nationwide internet shutdowns.

NetBlocks also noted that while other countries have previously imposed partial or region-specific internet restrictions for extended periods, this is the first time a country has remained entirely disconnected nationwide for such a long duration.

Meanwhile, Qatar-based media outlet Al Jazeera reported that due to this prolonged blackout, ordinary people in Iran have been almost completely cut off from communication with the outside world.

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