Iran FM says 'no tangible progress' in talks but Trump says deal close

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on June 3 that negotiations to end the Middle East war had made 'no tangible progress,' contradicting U.S. President Donald Trump’s optimism that a deal could be reached 'over the weekend.' The remarks came as fresh clashes between Iran and U.S. forces tested a fragile April 8 ceasefire, including an Iranian drone strike on Kuwait International Airport that killed one Indian national and injured 63 others. Kuwait condemned the attack as 'criminal Iranian aggression,' while Iran’s Revolutionary Guards denied responsibility, blaming a malfunction in U.S. Patriot missile systems. The Guards also accused U.S. forces of provoking retaliation by targeting a tanker and a communications tower on Iran’s Qeshm Island. The renewed hostilities marked one of the most severe challenges to the ceasefire since the conflict began on February 28 following a U.S.-Israeli bombing of Iran. At the White House, Trump dismissed the escalation, stating that in the Middle East, 'ceasefire is when you're shooting in a more moderate manner.' Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned Iran of consequences, citing Trump’s threat of 'full-scale military action' if necessary. Araghchi reiterated that communications with the U.S. remained open but warned that an Israeli attack on Beirut would trigger a 'full-scale resumption' of the war, with Iranian forces ready to strike Israel in response. The U.S. House of Representatives passed a symbolic resolution calling for the withdrawal of American troops from the Iran war, though the measure faces an uncertain fate in the Senate. Secretary of State Marco Rubio highlighted Iran’s stockpiles of highly enriched uranium as a key negotiation point, with Washington demanding Tehran surrender near-weapons-grade material, curb nuclear activities, and reopen the Strait of Hormuz for a lasting peace agreement. Kuwait suspended air traffic and diverted flights following the drone strike, further escalating regional tensions.