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Iran live updates: Iran says framework of Oman agreement finalized
The final text and details will be announced "soon," an official said.
President Donald Trump announced "major combat operations" against Iran on Feb. 28, with massive joint U.S.-Israeli strikes targeting military, government and infrastructure sites.
Delegations from the U.S. and Iran entered negotiations in June aimed at a war-ending deal based on a memorandum of understanding signed by both countries.
The U.S. and Iran have nonetheless continued to exchange strikes, with the strategic Strait of Hormuz the primary flashpoint.
Key Headlines
- Iran's security chief says Hormuz won't reopen until US 'corrects its behavior'
- Vance says US has made progress with Iran during talks but warns, 'this thing is not over'
- Oman stresses importance of avoiding actions that could impact ongoing talks with Iran
- Strait of Hormuz reopening unrelated to Iran-Oman talks, IRGC spokesperson says
Iran says joint statement between Iran-Oman is in final drafting stage
A joint statement to be released by Iran and Oman regarding the passage of vessels through the Strait of Hormuz is in the final drafting stage, Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei said Wednesday.
Oman and Iran have been in talks aimed at establishing a safe passage route for commercial shipping in the strait for two months.
The geographical coordinates of the proposed route have been agreed upon, and if certain third parties do not obstruct this process, the joint statement between the two countries, including key considerations and points of agreement, is in the final stages of review and drafting, Baqaei said.
Israel launches strikes in southern Lebanon, IDF says
The Israel Defense Forces said in a statement that it launched strikes against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon on Wednesday in response to an alleged ceasefire violation by the Iran-aligned group.
The Israeli military issued an evacuation warning to residents of the village of Al-Mansouri in southern Lebanon ahead of the strikes.
"Following the IDF's evacuation notice, the Al-Mansouri village is located within the Security Zone, where the military activities are still ongoing and can risk the lives of those in the area," the IDF said in a statement.
Addine, "The IDF issued an advanced warning to the civilians in the area in order to protect their safety. The civilians reached the area under the auspices of the Lebanese Armed Forces, which established a checkpoint in the area in violation of the understandings."
-ABC News' Ghazi Balkiz and Jordana Miller
Iran executed 56 people on national security charges since March, UN official says
Iran executed at least 56 people on national security-related charges since March 19, including 27 individuals in cases linked to nationwide protests in January, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk said in a statement on Wednesday.
More than 100 people are at risk of execution on similar charges, Turk said, adding that executions for drug-related offences are also continuing at "an alarming rate."
"Persistent lack of fair trial and due process guarantees are deeply troubling. Confessions have allegedly been obtained under torture and other ill-treatment," Turk said.
"Several executions have reportedly been carried out in public. Some have reportedly been carried out only weeks after arrest. Twelve defendants were reportedly sentenced to death following a single three-hour closed-door hearing," he added.
-ABC News' Somayeh Malekian
8 ships cross Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday, Kpler says
Eight ships crossed the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday, down from 10 on Monday and 11 on Sunday, according to maritime intelligence firm Kpler.
Most of the crossings were ships leaving the Persian Gulf and most of the ships used the route that passes through Iranian waters.
"Maritime risk remains elevated," Kpler said in its report.
-ABC News' Victoria Beaule