A senior adviser to Iran’s supreme leader says any future agreement with the United States depends on Washington releasing $24 billion in frozen Iranian assets, warning that failure could push the region toward a broader conflict.

As tensions continue to simmer in the Middle East, Iran has made it clear that it believes the next move belongs to Washington.

According to CNN, Mohsen Rezaei, a top military adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader, said ongoing negotiations between Tehran and the administration of US President Donald Trump have reached a stalemate and require decisive action from the White House. Rezaei argued that a potential agreement hinges on the release of $24 billion in frozen Iranian assets, describing the move as a crucial “trust test” for the United States. 

“The negotiations are at a deadlock and Trump must break this deadlock,” Rezaei said, adding that “the ball is in Trump’s court.” He insisted the funds belong to Iran and that releasing them would help unlock progress in the talks. 

But the message came with a warning. Rezaei suggested that if hostilities resume, Iran could widen the scope of conflict beyond the Strait of Hormuz and target additional American interests in the region. He also reiterated Tehran’s position on strategic waterways and regional security. 

As CNN reports, the comments offer a rare glimpse into Iran’s current negotiating posture and underline just how fragile prospects for a breakthrough remain.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has poured cold water on hopes of an immediate face-to-face meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, saying the timing is not right.

As Vanguard reports, Putin told attendees at an economic forum in Saint Petersburg that there was “no point” meeting Zelensky until experts had first agreed on the terms of a possible peace deal. The remarks came just a day after Zelensky publicly proposed a direct meeting to help end the four-year conflict.

Putin also insisted Russia would continue its military campaign until all of its objectives were achieved, despite ongoing US-backed peace efforts.

The latest exchange highlights the deep divide between Moscow and Kyiv, with prospects for a breakthrough remaining slim as the war grinds on and diplomatic efforts struggle to gain traction.

Three men have been sentenced to nearly four years in prison each for stealing a priceless 2,500-year-old golden helmet and three gold bracelets from a Dutch museum.

As the BBC reports, the ancient Coțofenești helmet and the bracelets were snatched during a dramatic raid on the Drents Museum in Assen, Netherlands, after thieves used explosives to break into the building. The artefacts, considered among Romania’s most treasured historical possessions, were on loan for an exhibition.

Dutch authorities later recovered the helmet and two of the three stolen bracelets after striking agreements with two suspects. One bracelet remains missing.

Despite differing plea arrangements, a Dutch court handed all three men identical 47-month prison sentences, stressing that only a substantial punishment matched the seriousness of the crime.

The FBI has launched a new “Most Wanted Fraudsters” list, putting the spotlight on 10 fugitives accused of orchestrating massive financial crimes worth billions of dollars.

According to Gazette Nigeria, the list includes suspects linked to healthcare fraud, wire fraud, mortgage fraud, money laundering and illegal gambling operations. Among them is Herbert Kimble, wanted over an alleged $1.2 billion healthcare fraud scheme, while others face accusations involving losses ranging from millions to tens of millions of dollars.

The move follows the FBI’s creation of a dedicated fraud-fugitive watchlist aimed at tracking down individuals accused of defrauding Americans on a massive scale. The bureau says public tips could prove crucial in bringing the suspects to justice.

According to JFeed, the US Embassy in Jerusalem warned that the security environment in Israel and the wider region remains unpredictable and could deteriorate without notice. The advisory urged Americans living in or visiting Israel to stay alert, monitor developments closely and know the location of nearby shelters in case of emergency.

The United States has issued a fresh travel warning for Israel, urging American citizens to exercise increased caution as tensions across the Middle East remain high

The warning comes despite recent diplomatic efforts and follows ongoing regional tensions involving Iran and its allies. US officials stressed that security conditions can change rapidly, prompting travelers to remain vigilant.

The latest advisory highlights Washington’s continuing concern about instability in the region and the potential risks facing both residents and visitors, JFeed reported.

An Iranian lawmaker has issued a stark warning that the United States could launch a more severe military attack on Iran after the 2026 World Cup, raising fears of a wider regional conflict.

According to Iran International, the parliament member said any future escalation could leave Iran looking like “a second Gaza,” reflecting growing concerns over security and geopolitical tensions in the region.

The warning comes amid heightened uncertainty surrounding Iran’s relations with Washington and ongoing instability across the Middle East. While details of the lawmaker’s remarks were limited, the comments underscore fears within parts of Iran’s political establishment that the current situation could deteriorate further after the global football tournament.

The remarks add another layer of tension to an already volatile regional landscape, Iran International reported.