Trump says US had ‘very good’ talks with Iran, next round to be held early next week

Trump says US had ‘very good’ talks with Iran, next round to be held early next week

ToI Staff

Times of Israel is liveblogging Saturday

US President Donald Trump says Washington had held “very good talks” on Iran, after the two sides held an indirect dialogue in Oman that could avert an escalation of tensions.

“We likewise had very good talks on Iran, Iran looks like it wants to make a deal very badly,” Trump says to reporters on board Air Force One en route to his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida for the weekend.

“We’re going to meet again early next week,” he adds.

Trump imposes secondary tariffs on countries that import from Iran

US President Donald Trump signed an executive order today imposing secondary tariffs on any country that imports goods from Iran, the White House says.

The move comes after US and Iranian officials met to renew efforts for a deal on the latter’s nuclear program.

Diplomat: At talks with US, Iran refuses to end enrichment; missile capabilities not discussed

Emanuel Fabian

Iran rejected calls by the United States to halt uranium enrichment on its territory during negotiations in Oman on Friday, as efforts to resolve the dispute over Tehran’s nuclear program resumed.

A regional diplomat briefed by Tehran told Reuters Friday that while the Islamic Republic would not budge on its right to enrich uranium inside Iran, it was willing to discuss the “level and purity” of enrichment or a regional consortium.

The diplomat added that Tehran believed the US negotiators “seemed to understand Iran’s stance on the enrichment … and they showed flexibility about Tehran’s demands.”

He added that Iran’s missile capabilities were not discussed during the talks in Muscat.

Iranian and US officials told the Axios news site that they expect further talks in the coming days.

US negotiators told their Iranian counterparts that they expect Tehran to come to the next meeting with a tangible and significant concession related to the nuclear file, Channel 12 reported.

The talks included an in-person meeting between US President Donald Trump’s top aides Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Aragchi, Channel 12 reported, citing two sources familiar.

The rest of the talks were held indirectly, with Oman mediating.

CENTCOM Commander Gen. Brad Cooper also joined the talks, outraging the Iranian delegation, in a move possibly aimed at intimidating Tehran, Channel 12 reported. The Iranians reportedly likened it to “conducting negotiations with a gun on the table.”

The network indicated the US will likely take additional steps to boost its military presence in the region on Saturday, improving Washington’s posture ahead of a potential strike if the talks fail.

Channel 12 cited an unnamed senior Israeli official who warned Iran against targeting the Jewish state, saying the response to such an attack would be “Operation Rising Lion on steroids,” referring to the name Israel gave to its June 2025 strikes on Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs, which also saw the IDF decimate Tehran’s air defenses.

The network cited another Israeli official who speculated that Friday’s talks between the US and Iran in Oman will not lead to an agreement, as the gaps between the sides are too large.

Iran has been refusing requests by the IAEA to inspect the sites bombed in the June war, raising the concerns of nonproliferation experts. Even before that, Iran has restricted IAEA inspections since Trump’s decision in 2018 to unilaterally withdraw America from Iran’s 2015 nuclear deal with world powers.

Amid the talks, the US has completed the initial phase of its weapons buildup in the region and is expected to complete the second phase in the coming weeks, with all forces in place, Channel 12 reported.

The US Central Command also published new footage of the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier, which arrived in the region last week.

“The Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group, accompanied by two military supply ships, and two US Coast Guard cutters, sailed together in the Arabian Sea today as aircraft from Carrier Air Wing 9 flew overhead,” CENTCOM wrote on X.

Mark Hitchcock: The Most Important Factor In Iran’s Motivation Is Being Overlooked

Apocalyptic Islamic Ideology: The Most Important Factor In Iran’s Motivation Is Being Overlooked

Mark Hitchcock

All eyes are on the Middle East, as the United States and Iran are locked in a battle of wills—a battle of civilizations. This standoff could result in successful negotiations, a stunning collapse of the brutal Iranian regime, or something in between.

Here is a breakdown of the current situation: 

Iran has been massacring its own citizens by the tens of thousands, it has been actively producing ballistic missiles, and it continues its attempts to revive its nuclear program. A massive US naval armada is now positioned to carry out a devastating assault on the Iranian regime. Iran has threatened that any US action will spill over into a regional war. The USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier on Tuesday shot down an “aggressive” Iranian drone over the Arabian Sea, which threatened to derail talks. Israel is also fully prepared—locked, loaded, and ready to respond to any aggression.

One very important factor is being overlooked in all the calculus and strategy about dealing with the powers in Tehran. We have to remember what drives the Iranian regime: a Shiite apocalyptic theology and ideology.

This ideology is the lens through which they view the world. For them, everything that is happening is being branded as a “holy war.” They use their theology as a shield to justify their brutality, even against their own people.

Iran Wire warned that leaders in the Iranian regime are calling the protests in their nation a “holy war” and refer to their response as a “theology of violence.”

“By framing protests as’ rebellion against God,’ officials have effectively turned politics into a battlefield of Good versus Evil,” the publication emphasized. “This allows them to justify structural failures and the killing of protesters as ‘divine trials’ or a ‘necessity of the Era of Emergence'”

The “Era of Emergence” noted by Iran Wire refers to the return of an Islamic messianic figure that they call the “Mahdi.” To the regime, all that is happening is a necessity for the so-called “Era of Emergence,” an era which they believe began with the 1979 Islamic revolution.

Iran’s government is an Islamic theocracy built on the foundational principle of Velāyat-e Faqīh, or the “Guardianship of the Islamic Jurist.” This doctrine was developed by Ayatollah Khomeini as part of the Islamic Revolution in 1979. Iran’s constitution places a “Guardian Jurist”—a religious cleric—at the head of the state. Currently, that is the Ayatollah Khamanei.

Behind all of this is the belief that clerics have to pave the way for the return of their Mahdi, the 12th Imam. They believe that preservation of the regime is the existential imperative for the Mahdi to return.

According to their view, the 12th Imam was born in 868 AD. He communicated with his followers through four deputies until 941 AD, after which he went into total seclusion and hiding. This Imam is expected to reappear in the end times to “usher in justice” and “put down tyranny”—an ironic premise considering the fact that Iran today is the most tyrannical regime in the world.

“Iran’s clerical leadership believe that the Mahdi’s return will be hastened by global destruction and war,” Dr Michael A. Youssef wrote in Premier Christianity. “These radical scholars teach that apocalyptic war is a necessary requirement for the Mahdi to be revealed. In this view, Iran’s struggle against Israel and Western civilization is part of a divine plan for the return of the Mahdi.”

Iran has what some have called an “apocalyptic foreign policy.” As one analysis explained, “Some hardline factions in Iran argue that global chaos and war are necessary precursors to the Mahdi’s return. This perspective can lead to the view that negotiated long-term peace is detrimental to their ultimate theological goals.”

Joel Rosenberg, a well-known Bible teacher and Messianic Jewish believer, aptly describes the Iranian regime as an “apocalyptic genocidal death cult.”

We don’t know what the results of the current crisis will be, but we do know that a showdown is coming between Iran and Israel. The regime might collapse through an attack from the United States and/or Israel, but a future Iranian invasion of Israel is certain because God predicted it 2,600 years ago—as recorded in Ezekiel 38 and 39.

In the preceding chapters, the prophet Ezekiel is told by God that the Jewish people would return to their land. Since 1948, we have witnessed the fulfillment of Ezekiel 36 and 37 as the Jewish people have been regathered from all over the world back to Israel—where nearly half of the world’s Jewish population now resides.

With the same assurity, we know that Ezekiel 38 and 39 will also take place, just as God foretold—and I believe that what we see today is a lead-up to it. The outcome of the current standoff remains a mystery, but we know where it’s ultimately headed.

In an incredible and ironic prophetic twist, Iran’s belief that it can hasten the coming of its “Mahdi” by triggering an apocalyptic war may play a key part in setting the stage for Iran’s involvement (and defeat) in the Gog Magog war predicted in the Bible.

More....

US reiterates call for all citizens to 'leave Iran now,' in security alert on open border crossings

US Reiterates call for all citizens to 'leave Iran now,' in security alert on open border crossings

JAMES GENN

The US's virtual embassy to Iran issued a travel warning on Friday, reiterating a call urging all US citizens to "leave Iran now," and providing a list of open border crossings at the time of the advisory.

The warning to leave the country first appeared in a travel advisory on January 12 amid ongoing nationwide protests.

The warning describes "Increased security measures, road closures, public transportation disruptions, and ongoing internet blockages," adding that the Islamic Republic's regime "continues to restrict access to mobile, landline, and national internet networks."

Additionally, the State Department-run site warns that "airlines continue to limit or cancel flights to and from Iran."

US citizens are warned, therefore, to "expect continued internet outages, plan alternative means of communication, and, if safe to do so, consider departing Iran by land to Armenia or Turkey," and are advised in the latest warning to have a plan to depart Iran that "does not rely on US government help."

Citizens are also warned that flight cancellations and disruptions can occur with little notice, and to avoid demonstrations, keep a low profile, monitor local media, and keep mobile phones charged.

Iran treats all citizens as Iranian regardless of dual national status, US warns

The travel advisory also provided information on how US citizens could leave Iran, noting that dual US-Iranian nationals must leave on Iranian passports and that Tehran does not recognize dual nationality and will treat all dual nationals as Iranian citizens.

Further, any US nationals would be at risk of questioning, arrest, and detention, and showing a US passport could be a reason for Iranian authorities to detain someone, the advisory warned.

The advisory also noted that land borders with Armenia, Turkey, and Turkmenistan are open, while Azerbaijan's land borders are "closed to routine traffic," and advised against travel to Afghanistan, Iraq, or the Pakistan-Iran border areas.

Iranian spokesperson says U.S.-Iran talks over 'for now' | LIVE BLOG

Iranian spokesperson says U.S.-Iran talks over 'for now'

Board Of Peace: Behind The Language Of Reconstruction And Prosperity Lies A Very Real Danger

Board Of Peace: Behind The Language Of Reconstruction And Prosperity Lies A Very Real Danger

David Bowen

For decades, the Middle East has been the world’s most stubborn unresolved conflict zone. Many leaders have promised peace. Many have produced frameworks. Many have announced “historic breakthroughs.” Yet Israel remains surrounded by hostility, targeted by terror, and pressured by nations that claim they want stability—while simultaneously restraining Israel’s ability to defend itself.

Now, a new proposal has entered the conversation: President Donald Trump’s Gaza peace initiative, reportedly structured across three escalating layers of authority—the Peace to Prosperity Plan, Project Sunrise, and what is described as the highest governing tier: the Board of Peace.

Its stated purpose is ambitious: transform Gaza into a modern, high-tech metropolis—an economic engine meant to replace war with development. But behind the language of reconstruction and prosperity lies a critical question prophecy watchers must ask: Is this structure truly protecting Israel—or is it positioning the nations to control Israel through internationalized “peace”?

The Board of Peace: A Global Structure with a Broad Mandate

According to the charter language associated with this initiative, the Board of Peace is not presented as a temporary Gaza committee. Instead, it carries an expansive mission: An international organization that seeks to promote stability, restore dependable and lawful governance, and secure enduring peace in areas affected or threatened by conflict.

In other words, it claims authority not merely to rebuild—but to govern, oversee, intervene, and stabilize in places where conflict exists or may arise. That matters—because international “peacekeeping” structures often evolve beyond their original intent. What begins as humanitarian reconstruction can become a long-term mechanism of influence, enforcement, and control.

While Trump is said to chair the Board of Peace, authority is reportedly divided among three primary divisions: the Executive Board of Peace, the Gaza Executive Board (GEB), and the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG). 

This layered leadership design implies permanence—an institutional model designed not for a single agreement, but for ongoing governance. Even more significant is the reported presence of influential international figures and participating nations that have direct regional agendas, including Turkey and Qatar.

The Concern: Influence Over Gaza Means Pressure Against Israel

Here is the strategic reality that cannot be ignored: Whoever governs Gaza’s security, economics, and political future will eventually influence Israel’s border realities. And if Israel is not central in shaping the structure, then Israel risks being boxed into decisions made by others. That becomes more alarming when nations openly critical of Israel are seated in positions of operational influence.

Turkey has repeatedly opposed Israel’s military actions in Gaza. Qatar has been accused of playing both sides in the regional conflict—hosting influence while maintaining channels with hostile actors. When nations with such track records gain administrative authority, the question is not merely political. It is prophetic. Because Scripture has already warned that the nations of the earth will eventually move together against Jerusalem.

Prophetic Echoes: “All Nations…Gathered Against Her”

The Bible does not portray Israel’s end-times challenge as limited to local hostility. It consistently reveals an international dimension, a moment when Jerusalem becomes the world’s obsession, burden, and battleground.

Zechariah 12:3 declares: “And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people: all that burden themselves with it shall be cut in pieces, though all the people of the earth be gathered together against it.” Jerusalem becomes a “burden” so heavy that every nation that tries to move it injures itself. This is not merely military invasion, it is international obsession and interference.

The prophet Joel adds another dimension: global judgment connected to how nations treat Israel: “I will gather all nations and bring them down to the Valley of Jehoshaphat. There I will enter into judgment against them…for they scattered my people among the nations and divided up my land” (Joel 3:1–2).

That phrase—“divided up My land”—should sober every person who watches modern diplomatic frameworks. 

Because many “peace plans” ultimately revolve around one idea: reshaping the land in exchange for security. That may sound reasonable to politicians, but prophecy watchers recognize a deeper danger. The world repeatedly attempts to solve conflict by forcing Israel into concessions that God never authorized.

Does This Fulfill Daniel 9:27? No—But It May Condition the World

At this point, it is important to be biblically precise. Many believers turn to Daniel’s “covenant prophecy” when major peace deals arise. But Daniel 9:27contains specific markers that cannot be forced onto every diplomatic plan.

Daniel 9:27 states: “And he will make a firm covenant with the many for one week, but in the middle of the week he will put a stop to sacrifice and grain offering…”

This prophecy requires non-negotiable elements:

• one central figure (“he”) confirms the covenant
• it is a firm covenant (binding and enforced)
• made with “the many” (multinational involvement)
• it lasts one week (7 years)
• temple worship is operating (sacrifices ongoing)
• sacrifices stop at the midpoint – leading to abomination/desolation

Trump’s initiative—based on what is currently being described—does not match these requirements. It is a political framework, not a prophetic covenant, there is no defined 7-year term, there is no temple focus, and sacrifices are not part of the structure. So biblically speaking, Trump proposed a deal and Daniel describes a covenant. One is political. The other is prophetic.

So while headlines move fast, believers must remain anchored to Scripture—not speculation.

The Real Takeaway: “Peace” Language Can Become a Trap

Even when a plan does not fulfill prophecy, it can still reveal the direction of the world.

What this current structure may illustrate is not fulfillment, but stage-setting:

• the normalization of multinational “peace” authority
• the increasing internationalization of Israel-related decisions
• the pressure to accept governance structures over strategic land
• the world’s growing appetite for “security” through control

It may not be the final act, but it could be a rehearsal. And prophecy watchers know this: the closer the world gets to the end of the age, the more “peace” becomes a sales pitch for something else, control, compromise, and coerced compliance.

That is why Paul’s warning remains so relevant: “While they are saying, ‘Peace and safety!’ then destruction will come upon them suddenly…” (1 Thessalonians 5:3). The world will not reject peace; the world will demand it, and in the process, it will pressure Israel and deceive many.

A Sobering Conclusion: Israel Will Stand—Because God Will Defend Her

Whether the world gathers through boards, treaties, financial coalitions, or diplomatic pressure, prophecy is clear: Jerusalem will be a burden. The nations will meddle. The pressure will intensify.

But Zechariah does not end with Israel defeated. It ends with God intervening. The nations will be judged not only for aggression, but for scattering God’s people and dividing His land. And in the end, the Lord Himself will defend Jerusalem.

This is not the hour for fear. This is the hour for discernment. Watch the diplomacy. Watch the alliances. Watch the language of “peace.” And above all—watch the Word of God.