Trump: There are ‘major points of agreement’ in talks with Iran

WASHINGTON – US President Donald Trump on Monday said there have been talks between the United States and Iran over the past day in ​which the two sides had “major points of agreement,” adding that a deal could be done soon ‌to settle the war.

Egypt warns of escalation, praises Trump’s move

Egypt said it is closely following developments in the Middle East over recent weeks. It strongly condemned attacks against Gulf states and Jordan, rejecting any threat to their security and sovereignty. Cairo warned that continued escalation could have serious consequences for regional stability and global trade.

Israeli minister calls for annexation of southern Lebanon

JERUSALEM/BEIRUT – Israel should extend its border with Lebanon up to the Litani River deep inside the country’s south, Israel’s finance minister said ​on Monday as Israeli troops bombed bridges and destroyed homes in the area in an escalating military assault.

Egypt, Russia discuss efforts to ease regional tensions

Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdel-Aati spoke by phone with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Monday.The call came as part of ongoing consultations between the two countries on fast‑moving developments in the region and efforts to reduce escalation.

Egypt receives Valaris DS‑12 to drill new gas wells

Egypt announced on Monday the arrival of the drilling ship Valaris DS‑12 to its territorial waters in the Mediterranean. The ship will start a new phase of gas exploration, with plans to drill four wells for BP and Arkeos Energy.