US’ “excessive demands” blocking truce: Iran
In a telephone conversation with Guterres, Araghchi said the United States has repeatedly undermined diplomacy through broken promises, contradictory positions and military aggression, but Iran is participating in ceasefire talks.
According to Al Jazeera sources, Guterres rejected the use of force against the sovereignty of any state and called for diplomacy to restore stability in the region.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump’s administration was preparing for a new round of military strikes against Iran on Friday (local time), sources with direct knowledge of the planning told CBS News.
Sources told CBS News that no final decision has been reached regarding the strikes.
Many members of the US military and intelligence community are said to have canceled plans for the Memorial Day weekend following news of the possible attack.
Trump had planned to spend Memorial Day weekend at his golf resort in New Jersey, but will now return to the White House, according to CBS News. On Friday (local time), Trump said he would miss his son Donald Trump Jr’s wedding due to developments and turns in the international community.
Trump confirmed he would not attend his son’s wedding to Palm Beach socialite Bettina Anderson, citing “government circumstances” and saying “it is important for me to remain at the White House in Washington, D.C. during this important time,” without giving details.
In a post on Truth Social, he said: “While I would love to be with my son, Don Jr., and the newest member of the Trump Family, his soon-to-be wife, Bettina, government circumstances and my love for the United States do not allow it. I feel it is important for me to remain in Washington, D.C., at the White House during this important time. Congratulations to Don and Bettina! President DONALD J. TRUMP.”
