For now, links to two reports: from Reuters and the Associated Press, and to commentary from Reuters, the Cradle and Indian Punchline; other articles or just headlines are accessible by clicking on their names or initials below. (UKRAINE, YEMEN, WEST BANK, LEBANON, SYRIA and GAZA entries for this date, so far, are HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE and HERE, or scroll up or down. IRAN 4-14-25 is HERE, or scroll down.) — MCM
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Khamenei downplays U.S. talks prospects as some Iranians’ hopes stir, currency gains. From Reuters. DUBAI — Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei today sought to play down expectations of a breakthrough in nuclear talks with the U.S., following stirrings of hope among some Iranians weary of economic hardships that have at times sparked public unrest. READ MORE . . .
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Another U.S. aircraft carrier in Mideast waters ahead of second round of Iran-U.S. nuclear talks, by Jon Gambrell | AP DUBAI — A second U.S. aircraft carrier is operating in Mideast waters ahead of the next round of talks between Iran and the United States over Tehran’s rapidly advancing nuclear program, satellite photos showed. READ MORE . . .
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Would military strikes kill Iran’s nuclear programme? Probably not, by François Murphy and John Irish | Reuters VIENNA — The recent U.S. deployment of B-2 bombers, the only planes able to launch the most powerful bunker-busting bombs, to within range of Iran is a potent signal to Tehran . . . READ MORE . . .
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FROM APRIL 14 The U.S. and Iran: March to war – or a backroom deal? From the Cradle. The rhetoric surrounding a potential U.S.–Israeli strike on Iran has intensified, fueled by veiled threats, media leaks, and what appeared to be an unofficial ultimatum from the Trump administration to Tehran. While no concrete consequences were outlined, the implication of direct military action looms large. READ MORE . . .
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FROM APRIL 13 U.S., Iran take a leap forward in trust building, from M.K. Bhadrakumar | Indian Punchline With the foreplay over and U.S.-Iranian talks commencing in Muscat on Saturday, a constructive engagement has begun in right earnestness. The sure sign of it . . . READ MORE . . .
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MAY BE CONTINUED