US strikes Iran as Trump faces backlash over ‘disastrous’ peace deal plan - The Latest

In this episode of The Latest from The Guardian, host Lucy Hough and diplomatic editor Patrick Wintour explore the potential for a peace agreement between the United States and Iran, set against a backdrop of ongoing military actions and domestic criticism of President Trump. Despite previous optimistic signals from the White House regarding a deal's shape, recent US airstrikes in southern Iran complicate the narrative, with the US claiming defensive measures against missile setups.

While talks continue in Doha concerning Iran's frozen assets and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, Trump's domestic standing faces scrutiny from his own party members who fear the negotiations may result in a weaker deal compared to the previous agreements. As the conversation unfolds, it reveals the intricate dynamics at play, identifying key sticking points in the negotiations, including the management of the Strait of Hormuz, the status of Hezbollah, and the long-sought nuclear issues.

Wintour suggests that while the situation appears at an impasse, there is a push towards an agreement with certain concessions expected from both sides. Iran's leadership seems to feel emboldened despite military actions, and the discussion highlights Trump's challenges in selling the outcomes of these negotiations amid significant political backlash. The episode wraps up with insights into how close the parties are to an agreement, depending on how both countries address their critical concerns.