Morning update

Good morning Middle East Eye readers,

Here are the latest updates from the region: US President Donald Trump announced that negotiations with Iran are set to commence on Monday. Trump's decision to delay potential strikes against Tehran is aimed at achieving a mutually beneficial agreement. Meanwhile, the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported an explosion near a tanker vessel, approximately 20 nautical miles northeast of Oman's Khasab port.

The tanker's master confirmed hearing a nearby explosion, but thankfully, the vessel and its crew remained unharmed.

Turning to Iran, Hassan Qashqavi, spokesperson for the country's parliamentary National Security Committee, hinted at a possible breakthrough in the talks with Oman. Qashqavi confirmed that Iranian mediators are actively working towards reviving the Memorandum of Understanding with Washington, signaling a potential shift in the country's foreign policy.

Over in Lebanon, Israeli forces reportedly carried out substantial bombing operations across southern Lebanon. The strikes were concentrated in the towns of Yaroun, Haroun, and Bint Jbeil, causing significant explosions that could be heard for miles. To add to the chaos, Israel also dropped phosphorus bombs, leading to large fires in the region's olive and pine groves. The extent of the civilian casualties and damages remains to be seen.

On a geological note, an earthquake of magnitude 5.6 struck 38 kilometers north of Egypt's Suez early on Monday. The German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ) reported the tremor, which prompted the Egyptian Red Crescent to activate its emergency response plan in the affected governorates. While no immediate reports of casualties have been released, the situation is being closely monitored.