DATA & FIGURES
The US and Iran had agreed on a 14-point agreement to end their war, with a 60-day period for negotiations starting on Thursday. The deadline for the final agreement between Iran and the US is set for 17 August. The US Central Command has ended its blockade in the Hormuz strait, which had been in effect since 13 April. At least 7 ships had crossed the strait on Thursday, according to Marine Traffic data.
THE SCENARIO
The geopolitical context of the Middle East crisis is complex, with multiple countries involved in the conflict. The US and Iran had reached a tentative agreement, but the cancellation of talks in Switzerland has cast uncertainty over the situation.
DIRECT QUOTE
"Trump is the only head of state in the entire world who is sympathetic to the nation of Israel at this moment in time." — JD Vance, Vice-president of the US
BBN INSIGHT
The Middle East crisis has significant implications for global stability and the economy. The cancellation of talks between the US and Iran has increased uncertainty, and the Israeli military's strikes in Lebanon have raised concerns about the potential for further escalation.