During the Memorial Day weekend, a heartfelt plea from World War II veteran David Yoho resonated widely on social media, urging younger generations to honor the sacrifices made by service members. His message captured the attention and emotions of many.

Speaking from the National World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C., Yoho, who will celebrate his 98th birthday in August, braved the rain to deliver his poignant words. “Remind them about veterans and tell them we gave up our yesterdays for your tomorrows,” he implored.

In his impromptu speech, Yoho, standing resolute with a military salute, fought back tears as his voice wavered with age. “And if they inquire who shared these words?” he continued, “Tell them it was a 16-year-old boy living in the heart and mind of a 98-year-old World War II veteran.”

PETE HEGSETH’S MEMORIAL DAY MESSAGE: TAKE ACTION TO HONOR THE FALLEN AND SHARE IT WITH YOUR CHILDREN

PETE HEGSETH’S MEMORIAL DAY MESSAGE: DO SOMETHING TO REMEMBER THE FALLEN AND PASS IT ON TO YOUR KIDS

In a screenshot from his emotional speech Saturday through the rain, World War II veteran David Yoho, 97, delivered a tribute that has gone viral on social media. (Friends of the National World War II Memorial)

The emotional salute capped the former Merchant Marine veteran’s reflection on the more than 16 million Americans who served in uniform after the attack on Pearl Harbor and the hundreds of thousands who never returned home.

Yoho, just 16 when he entered service, recalled the military lowered recruiting ages during the war because the country needed manpower.

“When you’re 16, you’re a child playfully in your streets, and the day you enter the military, that stops,” he said, empathically pounding the lectern. “And our dedication to what was done is apparent.”

WWII VETERAN SAYS BRITAIN TODAY ‘WASN’T WORTH’ HIS FRIENDS’ SACRIFICE, LESS FREE THAN IN HIS YOUTH

World War II veteran David Yoho speaks during a ceremony marking the 80th anniversary of Victory over Japan Day at the National World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C., on Sept. 2, 2025. (Win McNamee/Getty Images)

“Your dedication, even you up there on the balconies,” he continued, pointing through the raindrops to those attending his Memorial Day weekend speech, “your dedication to us is apparent, and we thank you when we kneel in obedience to our God and our maker.”

Yoho spoke at the National World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C., at the eastern end of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, honoring the 16 million Americans who served in the armed forces and the 400,000 who died.

“Tell your friends about this place,” Yoho said. “Tell your friend about the fact that you stood in the rain to hear us today. Tell the friends about your dedication and then tell them about us.“

NEW BOOK REVEALS UNTOLD STORY OF GEN. WAINWRIGHT, HIGHEST-RANKING AMERICAN POW OF WORLD WAR II

Former Merchant Marine David Yoho speaks during a medal ceremony for World War II Merchant Marines on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., on May 18, 2022. (Tom Brenner/Reuters)

Yoho also honored the U.S. Merchant Marines, saying 250,000 were recruited during the war and that the group suffered devastating losses while moving troops and supplies across dangerous waters. He pointed to the Murmansk Run, a deadly Arctic convoy route used to supply Allied forces, as one example of the sacrifices made by Americans from “every race” and “every creed.”

“So who are we here today? We are here to toll the bell, toll the bell for those who we honor in rest,” Yoho said. “Toll the bell for every military unit.“

Yoho provided unique context to onlookers 84 years after Pearl Harbor.

PEARL HARBOR REMEMBRANCE CEREMONY MARKS 84 YEARS SINCE ATTACK

“I add my thank you for your being here today,” he said. “We are the last of a breed who you sponsored to represent you, your families.

“Dec. 7, 1941, the empire of Japan struck Pearl Harbor and started what we called our war!

“We were a country of 130 million and we put 16,200,000 of them in uniform, and 440,000 of them didn’t come home.

‘NOBODY SHOULD GO ALONE’: 1,500 STRANGERS HONOR WWII VETERAN WITH NO KNOWN FAMILY

“And when you see a star representing 100 men, contemplate that each one of these people had an attachment to a mother, father, son, daughter, brother, sister. They are our family. We stand on this hollow ground. And we appreciate, despite the inclement weather, you have seen fit to be with us this day.“

Merchant Marines had the “highest mortality rate of any” of the World War II armed forces, Yoho remembered.

“We lost 733 ships and the highest mortality rate of any group that served in that war, but God is great and God is good and he kept this old sucker alive,” Yoho said. “I’m going to be 98 years old in six weeks and I take no apologies at any time for the time I take to tell you, without you, this wouldn’t exist.”

“I have a deep affection for everything here and what they stand for,” he said.

Emerging evidence suggests that the early indicators of a degenerative illness might appear much earlier than previously anticipated.

Alzheimer’s disease, predominantly impacting individuals over 65, could manifest through subtle symptoms as early as two decades before the traditional age of onset.

These early signs might offer valuable insights into the timing and progression of the disease throughout a person’s life.

Affecting approximately 6.7 million Americans, this neurodegenerative condition likely begins its course well before noticeable declines in cognitive abilities, attention, and judgment occur.

Recent research highlights that specific Alzheimer’s biomarkers, along with subjective memory concerns, suggest that the middle years of life could be a crucial period for earlier detection of the disease.

Looking at data of more than 1,000 people, the researchers found a toxic protein known as pTau181 that’s associated with Alzheimer’s in combination with self-reported memory problems.

Notably, the participants in the study were around 45 years old at the time. Alzheimer’s disease often isn’t diagnosed until a person’s mid-60s or later.

The findings suggest that pTau181 may begin accumulating in the brain earlier than once believed, as early as middle age.

These tau proteins have long been known to be harmful to the brain, building up and interfering with cognitive function.

This study could prove beneficial in a few different ways.

First, many treatments for Alzheimer’s slow the progression of the disease, but can’t restore cognitive function, especially during more advanced stages.

As these medications potentially work best when taken early, identifying symptoms early on could provide better treatment options.

Another benefit of the research is that finding protein buildup in the brain sooner rather than later could offer a minimally invasive way to identify those who have a greater risk of developing the disease.

This could then allow more opportunities for prevention and healthy brain function and aging, such as lifestyle changes like exercise and more social interactions.

Lastly, screening for biological markers like tau proteins, along with reports of memory issues, can help distinguish early signs of Alzheimer’s from normal aging.

Detecting proteins like pTau181 sooner rather than later adds to the growing evidence that signs can show up long before a proper diagnosis — by which point, some treatments may be too late.

Abnormal levels of another protein linked to the disease — p-tau217 — could be detected using a simple blood test to not only determine a person’s risk, but also the year symptoms can begin.

P-tau217 levels rise in a “remarkably consistent” pattern long before memory loss begins, and older adults developed symptoms much more quickly when the protein levels became abnormal.

In a fiery post on the social media platform X, Spencer Pratt, a candidate in the Los Angeles mayoral race, has made it clear that he is not tied to any political party. Pratt, who is 42, expressed frustration over being categorized politically, stating, “Everyone is trying to claim me for their tribe. There’s no R next to my name, there’s no D next to my name.”

He further emphasized his disdain for political affiliations by saying, “I’m not part of a political party because I hate politicians.” Instead, he identified himself simply as Spencer, highlighting his personal life by mentioning, “I’m just Spencer, husband to Heidi, father to Ryker and Gunner, and I’m a pissed off Angeleno who loves my city and is fed up with what corrupt politicians have done to her.”

This candid declaration from the former reality TV star came shortly after his CNN interview two days prior, where he disclosed having been influenced to register as a Republican, primarily due to the party’s staunch support of gun rights. Pratt’s outspoken stance underscores his independent approach to the political arena, as he seeks to address the issues facing Los Angeles without being tethered to traditional party lines.

‘I’m just Spencer, husband to Heidi, father to Ryker and Gunner, and I’m a pissed off Angeleno who loves my city and is fed up with what corrupt politicians have done to her.’ 

The former reality TV star’s post on Saturday came just two days after he gave a CNN interview in which he revealed that he had been convinced to register as a Republican because of the party’s full embrace of gun rights. 

Since 2020, Pratt has been registered as Republican but is running as a independent community advocate.

In the Thursday CNN chat he said: ‘You want to break some news here?’ Pratt said, pitching what he was about to say as something he’s never publicly shared before. 

‘When I was a hated reality star I got so many death threats. I had so much security and police. And what did they tell me to do?

Mayor of Los Angeles hopeful, Spencer Pratt, claimed to not be affiliated to any political party just days after explaining on Thursday why he was a registered Republican 

Pratt wrote that he hated politicians while uploading a ballet showing that he is running as a Community Advocate  

‘Get a gun,’ Pratt recalled. ‘This is real. I know people don’t like guns, but LA is dangerous if you’re hated. So, I got a gun. My wife got a gun.’ 

He then explained that he and his wife, Heidi Montag, needed concealed carry permits because in California, citizens are generally not allowed to open carry firearms, whether they are loaded or unloaded.

And because Republicans in California are far more supportive of concealed carry than Democrats, Pratt chose to register with the GOP.

Pratt’s comments come as he fights to overtake his main opponents in the mayoral race, incumbent Karen Bass and LA Councilmember Nithya Raman. 

The primary is on June 2, with Bass considered the favorite to win. Current polling indicates the race may go to a November 3 runoff since none of the candidates have an outright majority.

Pratt recently appeared to keep President Donald Trump at arm’s length after he praised the former TV star on Wednesday. 

Pratt told CNN that Republicans’ support of the right of Americans to carry concealed weapons is what convinced him to join the GOP

Pratt pictured with his wife, Heidi Montag added: ‘I’m just Spencer, husband to Heidi, father to Ryker and Gunner, and I’m a pissed off Angeleno who loves my city and is fed up with what corrupt politicians have done to her’

Trump was asked about Pratt at Joint Base Andrews, as he departed for Connecticut to deliver a commencement address. A reporter asked the President whether he saw himself in Pratt, given their shared reality-TV-star past. 

‘I’d like to see him do well,’ Trump responded. ‘He’s a character. I don’t know – I don’t know him, I assume he probably supports me. Does he support me?’

The reporter answered, ‘I think so,’ to which the president responded ‘I heard he does. I heard he’s a big MAGA person.’

Pratt has been coy about seeking the President’s endorsement, especially since he is running in a heavily Democratic city. 

The reality TV veteran has also pushed that he is not MAGA. 

Naughty But Nice Substacker Rob Shuter reported that Trump was mulling a Pratt endorsement.

Pratt and his wife, Heidi Montag, met while appearing on The Hills together 

‘Trump loves celebrity candidates, and Spencer knows exactly how to dominate headlines,’ a Republican insider told Shuter. ‘The idea of endorsing him has absolutely been discussed.’ 

Shuter also reported that Pratt was trying to walk a fine line – attract conservative voters but not get too tied up in national politics.

A Trump endorsement would void the latter.

The President didn’t officially endorse Pratt on the JBA tarmac, but he indicated his seal of approval.

‘He’s doing well,’ Trump told reporters.

The President then floated that Pratt could lose due to a ‘really rigged vote in California.’

‘You have a rigged vote out there,’ Trump said.

President Donald Trump had positive things to say about Republican LA mayoral candidate Spencer Pratt, who became a household name after appearing on the reality TV show The Hills

‘If we had Jesus Christ come down and count the votes, I would have won California,’ Trump claimed. 

‘Because I do great with Hispanics, but it’s a rigged vote,’ he added.

Trump has long falsely claimed that he has more support in California – and other blue states – than reported, due to the states’ use of mail-in ballots.

Pratt has drawn comparisons to the president by his former aide, Steven Bannon. 

Republican firebrand Bannon, who served in the first Trump administration as the White House chief strategist, said that Pratt was ‘probably the most Trumpian candidate we’ve ever seen in terms of house style.’

‘Trump’s superpower was bringing in people into politics who hate politics, and that’s what [Pratt] is doing online right now,’ Bannon, 72, told NPR.

Pratt’s political run picked up steam as he targeted incumbent LA mayor Karen Bass for how she managed the Palisades Fire last year, which burned his own home down.

The mayoral hopeful has recurrently highlighted the high levels of drug use and rampant homelessness in LA during his campaign, promising a three–week ‘grace period’ to warn criminals, drug users and homeless people to leave the west coast city.

‘Pratt knows it’s not politics, it’s drama,’ Bannon said. ‘He’s got a warrior mentality.’

Along California’s picturesque central coastline, car lovers have the opportunity to admire both the finest and most worn-out vehicles in the automotive world, all within the span of a weekend.

The Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance stands unmatched in its celebration of automotive sophistication. Much like the bubbles in a glass of champagne, these cars have ascended to prominence as some of the rarest and most esteemed collector vehicles globally.

This exclusive event, which operates on an invitation-only basis, is led by Sandra Button, whose earnest dedication underscores the significance of the occasion. Button likens owning one of these cars to possessing a piece of art.

“As more time passes, it becomes increasingly important for us, as guardians, to maintain their authenticity. Our focus is truly on the cars,” Button stated.

Meanwhile, not far from the meticulously maintained greens of Monterey’s 18th fairway, another burgeoning event unfolds on the less polished grounds of Seaside City Hall, drawing its own crowd of enthusiasts.

The Concours d’Lemons is a more corndog than caviar event that’s an ode to the less desirable, less loved and less expensive driveway dwellers.

Alan Galbraith stitched together this monstrosity in 2009. He calls himself the “head gasket of the Concours d’Lemons.” Like Concours d’Elegance, it’s an annual celebration of cars where the vehicles ooze with mediocrity instead of pedigree.

“We kind of figured if there’s a top, there needs to be, you know, rock bottom, and that’s what we do,” Galbraith said.

The car categories say it all. There’s the Swedish Meatball class, the Soul Sucking Japanese Appliance class, and the award for Rust Belt American Junk. 

Will Hughes was dressed just as questionably as his award-winning entry — a 1983 Oldsmobile Cutlass — the “gutless” as he calls it.  

“It started out from the factory with 75 horsepower. Now it’s 50. Sounds like you hit a dog when you get up to 50 miles per hour,” Hughes said. 

Galbraith means no disrespect in holding the annual event. It’s just the opposite.  

“A lot of people, they’ll see a VW Bug and, you know, you can come up with the story of, ‘Ah, me and six of my idiot buddies went to a concert. We all crammed in that car and went there,’” Galbraith said. “Not everybody has that story about a Duesenberg or a Ferrari, right? So there’s a little bit more of a connection with some of these cars.”

There’s no Best of Show here – only Worst of Show. This year, Chris Wollard took home the top prize for entering what can only be described as an unidentified driving object. Past winners have included a double-ended Honda and a fur-covered Lincoln Continental named Buttercup. 

When asked what it’s like to drive his car, Wollard replied, “It’s terrifying. It was a terrible idea. But it looks cool.”

As the silly-stringed festivities were coming to an end, Galbraith began shifting gears for the job he’d start the following morning. For all the love he has for Ford Pintos and AMC Pacers at the Concours d’Lemons, he respects the Bugattis and Bentleys at the Concours d’Elegance. In fact, he’s a respected lead docent there.

“He’s such a trickster and it was just so fun to think on this weekend when Pebble Beach is so serious that somebody was having a little poke at us and having some fun and kind of taking the seriousness out of all of it,” Button said.

From the rare to the rotten, Americans’ love affair with the automobile is a bit promiscuous. Enthusiasts will stop and look at just about anything with a motor.

“If you’re laughing, smiling, having a good time, a little bit of levity into what can be a fairly serious thing. If you’re having fun, I’ve done my job,” Galbraith said.

WASHINGTON — In a significant development, American negotiators have indicated that Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has approved a preliminary framework for a peace plan. This proposal involves Iran agreeing “in principle” to eliminate its stockpile of highly enriched uranium.

The proposed agreement aims to restore the free movement of ships through the Strait of Hormuz, which has been disrupted by three months of conflict. However, the finalization of this deal could take several days as both parties continue to negotiate the exact language of the agreement.

A senior official from the Trump administration explained, “They will reopen the strait in return for us lifting the blockade. They have agreed in principle to dispose of the highly enriched uranium, but there remains the issue of determining the exact process for doing so.”

Confidence remains high among U.S. officials that the supreme leader has endorsed this broad framework.

While the agreement would ensure the strait is accessible without new tolls, it leaves several critical issues unresolved. Future negotiations are expected to address these, with sanctions relief contingent upon Iran’s progress in eliminating nuclear material and implementing measures to prevent future enrichment.

The Iranian side has “national pride considerations” for offloading the material, the US official said.

President Trump, who on Saturday announced the pending agreement, has floated destroying the roughly 1,000 pounds of highly enriched uranium, and also has mentioned the Iranians working with the Chinese government help to dig it out of deeply buried locations.

“A lot of this debate is not really what happens to the stockpiled material, but it’s how the Iranians can sell it to their own hardliners and to their own population in a way that gets us what we need as well,” the official said.

“No one disputes that the stockpiled enriched material will be disposed of. It’s a question about how. And then simultaneously, while we’re figuring out that question of how, we’re going to have this thing where the straits open, the blockade is lifted and we get the economy some breathing room.”

The official added: “Even if we get this language in a good place, it is going to take days for it to filter through their system and to get an approval.”

The question of sanctions relief, meanwhile, could be summed up as “no dust, no dollars,” the official said.

“In other words, no highly enriched uranium, then the Iranians aren’t going to get any real relief.”

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.

Doug McCain, the eldest offspring of the late Senator John McCain, has passed away unexpectedly at 66.

His sister, Meghan McCain, known for her time on The View, paid tribute to her brother on X, saying, “It is with deep sorrow that I announce the sudden passing of my brother, Doug McCain.

“He was a remarkable and joyous individual who was a constant source of support in my life. His presence filled every room with laughter, excitement, and engaging discussions. I will hold our shared memories close. Our thoughts are with his wife Ashley and their children Caroline and Shepp during this difficult time.”

Doug held the position of the oldest child in John McCain’s family. The circumstances surrounding his death remain undisclosed at this time.

The McCain Institute expressed their sympathies on X, stating, “We offer our heartfelt condolences to the McCain family after the loss of Douglas ‘Doug’ Shepp McCain, the eldest son of John McCain.”

‘A Navy pilot like his father, Doug will be remembered as a patriot and friend to the many alumni of Sen McCain’s Institute, campaigns & Senate staff.’

Doug is survived by his wife of 40 years, Ashley, his mother, Carol, and his two children.

The 66-year-old was the son of John McCain’s first wife, Carol Shepp, and was adopted by the senator after their 1965 marriage. 

Doug McCain is pictured with his senator father John McCain in a photo shared by the McCain Institute

Doug carried on the McCain family’s storied military tradition as a Navy pilot, spending six years flying A-6 Intruders

Doug is pictured alongside his sister Meghan and mother Cindy as his father spoke at a campaign rally in 2008 

The 66-year-old was the son of John McCain’s first wife, Carol Shepp, and was adopted by the senator after their 1965 marriage

Senator John McCain divorced Carol, now 88, in 1980 and later married his second wife, Cindy Hensley McCain.

Doug was born on October 4, 1959, in Pensacola, Florida. He grew up in Jacksonville, where he enjoyed surfing, baseball, and soccer, his obituary reads.

After graduating from Jacksonville Episcopal High School in 1977, he attended the University of Virginia, where he studied systems engineering, joined SAE and Navy ROTC, and met his future wife, Ashley. 

After graduating university in 1982, he carried on the McCain family’s storied military tradition as a Navy pilot, spending six years flying A-6 Intruders.

After his time in the Navy, he continued flying with American Airlines, rising to captain and building a career around the work he loved.

‘Doug could always be counted on to tell you what he knew and, more often than not, explain why he was right,’ his obituary stated.

‘He secretly loved his “World Book” nickname and hated that Google eventually put him out of business,’ it added.

In his free time, the 66-year-old also played golf and was ‘very proud to hold the McCain family record of three holes-in-one.’

After the Navy, he continued flying with American Airlines, rising to captain and building a career around the work he loved

‘Doug will be remembered for his generous heart, his loyal friendships, and his unwavering love for his family,’ per his obituary

There will be a private funeral service for Doug and a memorial service on May 30, his obituary noted

‘Doug will be remembered for his generous heart, his loyal friendships, and his unwavering love for his family. He will be dearly missed by those close to him,’ his obituary stated. 

Private funeral services will be held for Doug. A memorial gathering will be held at the Princess Anne Country Club in Virginia Beach on May 30, from 12pm to 3pm.

Senator McCain was the 2008 Republican presidential nominee. He died in August 2018 following his diagnosis of brain cancer.

The presidential nominee also served as a naval officer and aviator, flying ground-attack aircraft from aircraft carriers.

During a visit to India on Sunday, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed optimism about ongoing negotiations for a peace agreement with Iran. He described the talks as having made ‘significant progress,’ as new insights into the potential deal came to light.

Rubio’s remarks coincided with reports from regional officials to The Associated Press indicating that the agreement could involve Iran relinquishing its stockpile of highly enriched uranium and reopening the Strait of Hormuz. However, Iran has yet to officially declare its intention to surrender its uranium reserves.

“Regarding the Iran situation, there might be more developments to share later today, but I’ll defer to the president for any further announcements,” Rubio stated. He hinted at the next steps, suggesting that while the progress is notable, it is not yet complete.

The U.S. has been pursuing a reduction in Iran’s uranium reserves as part of efforts to thwart the country’s potential development of nuclear weapons, which poses a significant threat to the U.S. and its allies.

The US has been after Iran’s uranium stockpile in a bid to prevent the country from developing nuclear weapons and being a massive threat to the US and its allies. 

The US-Iran war broke out on February 28 following a decades-long conflict between the nations. 

Following the start of the war, the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow and vital waterway that is used as a high-volume shipping route, closed. 

It opened temporarily, but has since shut down again after the US maintained a naval blockade of Iranian ports. 

US secretary of State Marco Rubio has revealed new details about the peace deal with Iran, adding that America has made ‘significant progress’ in negotiations. He is pictured Sunday

The US-Iran war broke out on February 28 following a decades-long conflict between the nations

During his talk on Sunday, Rubio expressed why the Strait of Hormuz being closed has caused a great deal of tension amid ‘illegal’ activities Iran has taken part in. 

‘This is an international waterway. They [Iran] don’t own it. It’s an international waterway, and what they are doing now, is basically they are threatening to destroy commercial vessels using an international waterway. 

‘That is illegal under any concept of international law that governs us, but it’s also – if we allowed that to become normal, we would be normalizing an unacceptable status quo, and setting a dangerous precedent that could be replicated here in this region and in multiple places around the world,’ Rubio said.

According to Rubio, progress has been made over the last two days after the US and its partners in the gulf drew up an ‘outline’ that would reopen the waterway ‘without tolls’, and help in ‘addressing some of the key things that underpin what has been Iran’s nuclear weapons ambitions in the past.’ 

Rubio made it clear that the ‘outline’ could be a crucial step forward in a possible peace deal with Iran, but only ‘if it works.’ 

‘Obviously, that will require full Iranian acceptance and then compliance, and it will require some future work on negotiating the details.’  

The strait’s reopening would begin to address a worldwide energy crisis sparked by the conflict. 

Prices have spiked for oil, gas and several downstream products, jolting the world economy. 

Trump said a deal had been ‘largely negotiated’ on Saturday in posts shared to social media

Experts say it would take several weeks or even months for shipping and prices to recover to prewar levels.

The US in recent weeks had threatened to resume its bombing campaign, which would have likely prolonged the closure and led to Iranian retaliation against Israel and US-allied energy producers in the Gulf.

On Saturday, Trump said a deal had been ‘largely negotiated,’ after calls with Israel and other regional allies. 

‘Final aspects and details of the Deal are currently being discussed, and will be announced shortly,’ he said on social media.

Under the potential deal, Tehran would agree to give up its stockpile of highly enriched uranium, according to the two regional officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the sensitive negotiations.

One official, with direct knowledge of the negotiations, said how Iran would give up its highly enriched uranium would be subject to further talks during a 60-day period. Some would likely be diluted, while the rest would be transferred to a third country, potentially Russia, the official said. Russia has offered to take it.

Iran has 440.9kgs of uranium that is enriched up to 60 percent purity, a short, technical step from weapons-grade levels of 90 percent, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency.

Iran said the peaceful use of nuclear science and technology is a legitimate right that it ‘will never relinquish,’ according to its embassy in India.

Prices have spiked for oil and gas since the Strait of Hormuz was closed. A gas station in Washington DC ahead of Memorial Day weekend is pictured

Trump has sought greater concessions from Iran than those required under a 2015 Obama-era agreement that the US later withdrew from under Trump.

On Saturday, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei told the state-run news agency that there are ‘narrowing differences’ between the Iranian and US positions, but that Iran is cautious after being attacked twice in the past year during nuclear negotiations.

Pakistani army chief Asim Munir, a key mediator, left Tehran late Saturday after more talks with Iranian officials.

Under the emerging agreement, the Strait of Hormuz would gradually reopen in parallel with the US ending its blockade of Iran’s ports, the officials said.

Twelve weeks have passed since the US and Israel attacked Iran, killing its supreme leader and other top officials. 

A ceasefire with Iran has held since April 7, though the sides have exchanged fire on occasion.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned Trump that Israel maintains freedom of action against threats in all arenas, including Lebanon, according to an official familiar with the conversation. 

The official spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to the media.

The official said Trump made it clear to Netanyahu that he would not sign any final agreement without the conditions that Iran dismantle its entire nuclear program and give up all its enriched uranium.

Israel’s Science Minister Gila Gamliel, a member of Netanyahu’s Likud party and part of his national security cabinet, told Israel’s Army Radio that Israel is taking a ‘wait-and-see’ approach.