US Vice President says Iran talks making progress, Israel strikes Lebanon
Elizabeth Melimopoulos
U.S. Vice President JD Vance says Iran nuclear talks are progressing despite Trump's rejection of Tehran's latest offer. Israel struck Lebanon, killing 12 people, even as a ceasefire with Hezbollah remains in place.
U.S. Vice President JD Vance said on May 14 that he believes talks with Iran are making progress, even though President Donald Trump earlier rejected Tehran's latest proposal as unacceptable. Speaking to reporters at the White House, Vance stated: “I think we are making progress. The basic question is whether we are making enough progress to meet the president's red line. That red line is very simple: he needs to feel confident that we have put enough safeguards in place so that Iran never gets a nuclear weapon.”
Meanwhile, Iranian Brigadier General Mohammad Akrami Nia declared the country's military is at its “highest state of readiness,” warning “there is no room for retreat” as tensions with the U.S. continue. Iranian officials continue to signal readiness to respond to any escalation.
In Lebanon, the Health Ministry reported that 12 people were killed in Israeli attacks on Wednesday, mostly in southern Beirut, despite a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah. The National News Agency (NNA) reported multiple Israeli strikes from the evening and early morning targeted various locations in southern Lebanon. Hezbollah also claimed it carried out several attacks on Israeli military positions at or near the town of Biyyada in southern Lebanon.
On the diplomatic front, Israel confirmed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made a “secret” visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) during the war, meeting President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, calling it a “historic breakthrough.” However, the UAE denied this, asserting that relations with Israel under the Abraham Accords are public, “not based on secrecy.” Iran condemned countries “colluding” with Israel, warning they would be “held responsible.”
In the U.S., the Senate rejected a resolution limiting President Trump's authority to launch war against Iran. President Trump declared the U.S. does not need China's help to end the war, but analysts suggest Beijing may demand concessions on Taiwan in exchange for exerting pressure on Iran. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi traveled to New Delhi for a meeting of BRICS foreign ministers.
In Lebanon, the head of the National Council for Scientific Research reported that over 10,000 homes have been damaged or destroyed since the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah took effect. Lebanese and Israeli officials are expected to meet in Washington on May 14 for a new round of peace talks, while the nominal ceasefire is set to expire.
