US-Iran News LIVE Updates: Trump rejects Iran uranium raid to avoid 'Jimmy Carter' moment; Israel & Hezbollah trade fire

Donald Trump has abandoned plans for a military operation to seize Iran’s enriched uranium, citing the risk of a prolonged conflict that could mirror what he called a 'Jimmy Carter moment.' The decision comes as nuclear negotiations between the US and Iran remain unresolved, with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) urging Iran to clarify the status of its uranium stockpiles following last year’s attacks on its atomic sites. An American-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah unraveled within hours of its announcement, as Israel launched strikes on southern Lebanon and Hezbollah retaliated with rocket attacks. Lebanon’s health ministry reports over 3,300 deaths and more than one million displaced since March, while the ceasefire’s failure highlights stark differences in demands: Hezbollah was pressured to halt attacks unilaterally, while Israel faced no obligation to withdraw forces from Lebanese territory. Iran’s Quds Force commander, Esmail Qaani, demanded Israel retreat to pre-conflict positions, and Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei warned officials that actions fueling public frustration would benefit adversaries. Negotiations to end the US-Iran war remain stalled, with Iran insisting on terms incompatible with Israel’s goal of disarming Hezbollah. Iranian officials, including adviser Mohsen Rezaei, have vowed to escalate attacks if Israel advances toward Beirut’s southern suburbs, while also threatening regional allies like the UAE, Bahrain, and Kuwait for their perceived support of adversaries. Rezaei stated Iran’s missiles could turn northern Israel into 'hell' if provoked further. Diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions continue, with Qatar’s foreign minister discussing mediation with France to reduce regional conflicts. Meanwhile, Abbas Araghchi, Iran’s deputy foreign minister, dismissed Trump’s comments about meeting Khamenei, emphasizing that the supreme leader remains central to Iran’s governance despite limited public appearances due to security concerns. Trump claimed Hezbollah had secretly approached the US to end fighting in Lebanon, though the group publicly rejected the proposed ceasefire terms. The collapse of the ceasefire and rising threats from Iranian officials underscore the deep divisions between Israel and its allies, as well as Iran’s regional ambitions. With no immediate resolution in sight, the risk of further escalation in Lebanon and beyond remains high.