Considered Malaysian news, analysis and opinion.
Iran's top negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has rejected US claims that unfrozen Iranian assets will be used to purchase American agricultural goods, marking fresh discord between Tehran and Washington over the deployment of released funds.
Iran has rejected international inspections of its nuclear facilities until Washington delivers concrete action on sanctions relief, signalling tough conditions for ongoing peace negotiations.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has completed his testimony in ongoing corruption trials, marking a significant phase in legal proceedings that have run parallel to escalating regional security concerns.
Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced that the United States and Iran will engage in technical-level discussions over the next 60 days on nuclear matters, ballistic missiles, and frozen assets, building on recent talks in Switzerland.
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The head of the UN's International Atomic Energy Agency has called for sustained diplomatic efforts as the United States and Iran prepare for direct negotiations in Switzerland, following a recent bilateral agreement signed in Pakistan.