Trump says Iran talks 'proceeding nicely' despite 'defensive' US strikes in Iran

Former U.S. President Donald Trump said negotiations with Iran are 'proceeding nicely' on Monday, even as the U.S. military conducted 'self-defense strikes' in southern Iran. The strikes targeted missile launch sites and Iranian boats, marking a tense escalation amid ongoing diplomatic efforts. Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei issued a defiant statement on Tuesday, declaring the U.S. will no longer have a 'safe haven' in the Middle East. In a Telegram message tied to the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage, he warned that regional nations and lands will no longer serve as shields for U.S. military bases, signaling a hardened stance against American influence. Iran’s authorities executed Gholamreza Khani Shakarab on Tuesday after convicting him of espionage for Israel’s Mossad intelligence agency. State-run Mizan News Agency confirmed the execution, stating Shakarab was hanged for recruiting individuals to carry out anti-security measures. The move underscores Tehran’s crackdown on perceived foreign threats amid regional tensions. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated that finalizing the language of a potential Iran deal could take 'a couple of days,' citing alignment among regional leaders. He emphasized the need for the Strait of Hormuz to remain 'open, unimpeded, and without tolls,' highlighting a key demand in ongoing negotiations. Separately, Israel’s military struck over 100 Hezbollah targets in Lebanon, including weapons storage facilities and command centers in the Beqaa Valley. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the attacks, stating they aimed to disrupt Hezbollah’s ability to launch attacks against Israeli civilians and soldiers. A video released by the IDF showed strikes in the Mashghara area, where terrorists were reportedly eliminated. Trump also reiterated that Arab nations joining the Abraham Accords should be 'mandatory' as part of Iran talks, linking regional alliances to broader diplomatic efforts.