Trump says he doesn’t need an Iran deal as talks remain uncertain

Iran sets terms for talks

Iranian security official Hossein Taeb said Thursday that Tehran would decide how negotiations are conducted and what they cover only after the other side fulfills and accepts seven conditions. Taeb, head of the Basij paramilitary force, said Iran was not concerned about how long ending the war might take.

Iran’s Supreme National Security Council head said Wednesday that the country would not permit even a small amount of enriched nuclear material to be removed. That stance casts doubt on diplomatic efforts, as the United States has sought a peace agreement involving Iran giving up its enriched uranium.

Rubio called Iran’s conditions unacceptable on Sunday, signaling little expectation of a near-term diplomatic breakthrough. An earlier comment attributed to Vahid said the conditions should be considered together, while some might be met during an initial ceasefire rather than before one.

Ship hit near Hormuz

British maritime risk company Ambrey said a commercial vessel was struck Wednesday by an unknown projectile west of the Strait of Hormuz entrance. The impact caused an engine-room fire, with no known injuries or pollution reported.

Ambrey placed the strike 14 nautical miles off Ras al-Khaimah in the United Arab Emirates. Iran has warned ships against using a southern route near the UAE and Oman, despite U.S. claims that the passage is safe and open. The report followed a statement from Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps that two tankers carrying more than four million barrels of oil caught fire in an accident while using the route Tehran considers unauthorized.

U.S. team withdraws from Qatar

The U.S. Soccer Federation withdrew its boys’ Under-17 team from the World Cup in Qatar, which begins next week, citing security concerns. FIFA confirmed the decision Thursday and linked it to the existing U.S. Level 3 travel advisory.

FIFA noted that other events, including a Diamond League meeting, a MotoGP race and men’s basketball qualifying games, had taken place safely in Qatar this year. The tournament is scheduled amid heightened security in Qatar and the Gulf region since U.S. military attacks on Iran began in February.

FIFA rules call for the U.S. federation to face a fine of at least 20,000 Swiss francs, or $24,000, for withdrawing less than 30 days before the opening game. FIFA said participant and fan safety remained paramount and that it was working with relevant authorities.