Seth J. Frantzman

While Iran has turned toward China for support and to deepen ties, Beijing views Iran as a chaotic regime that doesn’t offer a return on investment.

Egypt is a historic regional power and center of influence, and it has played a key role in Palestinian reconciliation talks over the years and also in policy regarding Gaza.

While Hezbollah and Hamas have suffered blows, the Assad regime has fallen, and militias in Iraq are under pressure, the Houthis remain steadfast in Yemen.

ISIS has claimed a series of attacks in Syria, including an IED strike near Damascus and a reported assault on security forces in Raqqa.

The state media report added that the agreement was signed at the Ministry of Energy headquarters in Damascus.

US envoy Tom Barrack met Iraq’s leadership in Baghdad, discussing security, militias, and economic cooperation as Washington pushes a “new direction” in bilateral ties.

Trump signals growing frustration with Israel’s prolonged Hezbollah campaign in Lebanon, questioning strategy, civilian impact, and the lack of a decisive outcome after nearly 1,000 days of fighting.

Questions remain over a US-Iran preliminary deal as Tehran favors a prolonged diplomatic process that adds complexity and delay.

Iranian source: 'We are all shocked...They can’t believe they made the deal' • Concern that Islamic regime and its proxies see US deal as a victory, source stresses

The US and Iran appear poised to agree on a path forward toward some kind of deal. It is not entirely clear what is being agreed upon or what may emerge in the coming days.