Trump is considering inviting Alexander Lukashenko to meet in the U.S. (White House or Mar-a-Lago) as part of a broader effort to normalize relations with Belarus.

The potential deal includes easing sanctions in exchange for steps like releasing political prisoners, with talks reportedly handled by envoy John Coale.

Lukashenko has also referenced a “big deal” and was invited to Trump’s “Board of Peace” initiative earlier in 2026.

Source: FT

Iranian sources claim air defenses shot down a U.S. LUCAS drone in the country’s southeast.

LUCAS is essentially a clone of Iran's Shahed-136 kamikaze drone.

Trump on Iran:

We’ve had very strong talks. Mr. Witkoff and Mr. Kushner had them. They went, I would say, perfectly.

I would say that if they carry through with that, it’ll end that problem, that conflict—and I think it’ll end it very, very substantially.

The discussions took place yesterday. They went into yesterday evening. They want very much to make a deal. We’d like to make a deal, too.

We’re going to get together today—probably by phone, because it’s very hard to find a country. It’s very hard for them to get out, I guess.

But we will, at some point very, very soon, meet. We’re doing a five-day period. We’ll see how that goes, and if it goes well, we’re going to end up settling this. Otherwise, we’ll just keep bombing our little hearts out.

Meanwhile, the White House account.

Reporter: Why are you sending Marines to the Middle East?

Trump: If you were in my position and I asked you that question, do you really believe I’d give you an answer? Crazy question.

Trump on Iran:

It has been an evil country for 47 years—death all over the world.

Trump on Joe Kent:

He said what he said to get publicity.

He probably signed up with CNN or somebody.

Reporter: Has Iran agreed to no enrichment whatsoever, even for medical or civilian purposes?

Trump: They have.

ICC Panel Clears Judge of Alleged Misconduct Amid U.S. Sanctions & Threats

A Middle East Eye Exclusive reveals ICC judges cleared ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan after reviewing a UN probe into misconduct allegations, a key development amid Israel's genocide investigation & ongoing U.S. sanctions pressure.

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Reporter: Will we see ICE arresting illegal migrants at airports?

Trump: Yeah... ICE loves it because they’re able to now arrest illegals as they come into the country. It’s very fertile territory.

Mediators are trying to convene talks in Islamabad later this week, with Ghalibaf leading Iran’s delegation and Witkoff, Kushner, and possibly JD Vance representing the U.S.

Source: Axios

Iran's Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmail Baghaei:

Over the past few days, messages have been received via certain friendly countries indicating a U.S. request for negotiations aimed at ending the war.

These messages were responded to appropriately and in line with Iran’s principled positions.

In these responses, necessary warnings were issued about the severe consequences of any attack on Iran’s vital infrastructure.

It was emphasized that any action against Iran’s energy infrastructure would be met with a decisive, immediate, and effective response from Iran’s armed forces.

Iran's Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmail Baghaei:

Islamic Republic of Iran’s position regarding the Strait of Hormuz and the conditions for ending the war remains unchanged.

IRGC Aerospace Force Commander Moosavi:

The continuation of the battle will take place until the realization of national and patriotic goals.

Iran's Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmail Baghaei:

We have not conducted any negotiations with the United States.

Israel plans to continue its attacks on Iran while avoiding energy infrastructure for now.

Source: Bloomberg

BREAKING: Iranian Parliament Speaker Ghalibaf says Iran didn’t hold negotiations with the U.S., calling it fake news to manipulate markets.

A senior Iranian official says the U.S. has requested a Saturday meeting with Parliament Speaker Ghalibaf.

Tehran has not yet responded, and the proposal is still under review by the Supreme National Security Council.

Source: Reuters

Meloni has conceded defeat after Italians voted against her proposed judicial reforms, with about 54% rejecting the plan.

The referendum became a test of her leadership, making this her first major political setback since taking office in 2022.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps is demanding a broad set of concessions before agreeing to end the conflict:

It wants a new arrangement for the Strait of Hormuz that would allow Iran to control access and collect transit fees from passing ships.

At the same time, it is insisting on firm guarantees that the war would not restart, along with an end to Israeli attacks on Hezbollah.

The group is also calling for the closure of U.S. military bases in the Gulf and financial compensation for the damage Iran has suffered during the war.

Source: WSJ

An Israeli security source said to treat Trump’s claim about delaying strikes on Iran “with a grain of salt.”

Source: Sky News