Friday, May 9, 2025


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Balikatan 2025, umarangkada na

Venus L Peñaflor
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Balikatan 2025, umarangkada na

MAYNILA. Pormal nang sinimulan nitong Lunes, Abril 21, ang ika-40 edisyon ng taunang Balikatan war games sa pagitan ng Pilipinas at Estados Unidos, na may temang BK 40-25, kung saan inaasahang magsasagawa ng full battle scenario sa ilang piling lugar sa bansa, partikular sa Luzon.

Pinangunahan mismo ni Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. ang pagbubukas ng malawakang military exercise.

Ayon sa AFP, nasa 6,000 tropa ng Pilipinas ang kalahok sa war drills habang nasa 12,000 naman mula sa United States Armed Forces. Bukod dito, nakiisa rin ang mga sundalo mula sa iba’t ibang bansang kaalyado: Australia (200 personnel), Japan (56), United Kingdom (11), France (2), at Canada (2).

Samantala, labing-anim (16) na bansa ang nagsisilbing observers sa war games: Brunei, Canada, Czech Republic, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Lithuania, Malaysia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Singapore, Thailand, United Kingdom, at Vietnam.

Isa sa mga tampok ngayong taon ay ang pagpapakita ng makabagong kakayahan ng Estados Unidos sa pamamagitan ng deployment ng “NMESIS” (Navy/Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System) anti-ship missile system. Idedeploy ito malapit sa isang mahalagang chokepoint sa hilagang bahagi ng Luzon bilang bahagi ng pagpapalakas ng maritime defense.

Kabilang sa mga battle scenarios na isasagawa ay ang missile defense, counter-landing live fire exercise, maritime strike, maritime key terrain security operations, at isang multilateral maritime event kung saan inaasahang lalakas ang ugnayan ng mga kasaping bansa sa larangan ng seguridad.

Magtatagal ang Balikatan 2025 hanggang Mayo 9, at layon nitong patatagin ang interoperability at mutual defense capabilities ng Pilipinas at ng mga kaalyado nito sa gitna ng tumitinding tensyon sa Indo-Pacific region.

Putin expresses willingness to engage in direct peace negotiations with Ukraine

EDGARDO HERNAL
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Putin expresses willingness to engage in direct peace negotiations with Ukraine

MOSCOW/KYIV. For the first time in years, Russian President Vladimir Putin has proposed bilateral talks with Ukraine, signaling a potential shift in the long-stalled peace process. The move comes amid mounting international pressure and follows a fragile Easter truce that lasted just 30 hours before both sides accused each other of violations.

Speaking to Russian state TV reporter Pavel Zarubin, Putin said Moscow was open to any peace initiatives, including discussions with Ukraine aimed at halting attacks on civilian infrastructure.
“We have always talked about this, that we have a positive attitude towards any peace initiatives. We hope that representatives of the Kyiv regime will feel the same way,”
Putin said.

This is the most direct signal from the Kremlin in years that it is willing to return to the negotiating table for one-on-one discussions, a format largely abandoned since the early weeks of Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov further clarified Putin’s position, telling the Interfax news agency:

“When the president said that it was possible to discuss the issue of not striking civilian targets, including bilaterally, the president had in mind negotiations and discussions with the Ukrainian side.”

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy responded in his nightly video address, reiterating Ukraine’s readiness for dialogue focused on halting attacks on civilians.

“Ukraine maintains its proposal not to strike at the very least civilian targets. And we are expecting a clear response from Moscow,” he said.
“We are ready for any conversation about how to achieve this.”

Zelenskiy emphasized that this week’s scheduled talks in London, with participation from U.S. and European officials, have a primary goal:

“The primary task is to push for an unconditional ceasefire. This must be the starting point.”

Earlier on Monday, Zelenskiy also said that an unconditional ceasefire should be followed by “the establishment of a real and lasting peace.”

Both Russia and Ukraine have indicated openness to further ceasefires following the short-lived Easter truce announced unilaterally by Moscow. However, skirmishes quickly resumed, with both sides trading blame for breaking the truce. Washington has said it supports an extension of the ceasefire but warned that its patience is running thin.

U.S. President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued a joint statement Friday suggesting that the United States might pull out of its mediation role if no tangible progress is made “within days.” However, on Sunday, Trump struck a more optimistic tone, saying he hoped the two sides would reach a deal “this week.”

Zelenskiy warned that Russia’s continued strikes during the brief ceasefire suggested that Moscow was not serious about ending the war. He reiterated Ukraine’s policy of responding proportionally to Russian aggression:

“The nature of Ukraine’s actions will remain symmetrical: ceasefire will be met with ceasefire, and Russian strikes will be met with our own in defence. Actions always speak louder than words,”
he posted on X.

Despite Putin’s remarks, Russia’s peace demands remain a significant obstacle. The Kremlin insists Ukraine must cede all the territory Russia has claimed to annex and adopt a stance of permanent neutrality, terms Kyiv rejects as tantamount to surrender and vulnerability to future aggression.

Still, the Kremlin remains hopeful, according to Peskov:

“President Putin and the Russian side remain open to seeking a peaceful settlement. We are continuing to work with the American side and, of course, we hope that this work will yield results.”

As international efforts to end the war gather momentum, the coming days in London may prove pivotal. Whether these signals of openness will translate into substantive steps toward peace remains to be seen.

PNP, bumuo ng special committees laban sa kidnapping at fake news

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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PNP, bumuo ng special committees laban sa kidnapping at fake news

MAYNILA. Bilang tugon sa lumalalang banta ng kidnapping at pagkalat ng maling impormasyon sa bansa, opisyal nang inilunsad ng Philippine National Police (PNP) ang dalawang espesyal na komite: ang Joint Anti-Kidnapping Action Committee (JAKAC) at ang Joint Anti-Fake News Action Committee (JAFNAC).

Pangungunahan ni Police Lieutenant General Edgar Alan Okubo, Deputy Chief PNP for Investigation (TDCI), ang JAKAC na may mandato na tutukan ang pagtukoy, pag-imbestiga, at pag-neutralisa sa mga sindikatong sangkot sa kidnap-for-hire operations sa Pilipinas.

Samantala, si Police Lieutenant General Robert Rodriguez, Deputy Chief PNP for Operations (TDCO), naman ang mamumuno sa JAFNAC. Layunin ng komiteng ito na labanan ang pagkalat ng fake news o pekeng balita “that threaten public trust, peace, and national stability.”

“These committees are not just organizational measures—they are proactive responses to modern-day threats. From kidnap-for-hire syndicates to digital disinformation campaigns, the PNP is moving decisively to protect our people. This is our commitment to Bagong Pilipinas—ensuring that law and truth prevail,” pahayag ni PNP Chief, Police General Rommel Francisco D. Marbil.

Ang pagkakatatag ng JAKAC ay kasunod ng matagumpay na pagresolba sa kaso ng kidnapping at pagpatay sa negosyanteng si Anson Que at sa kaniyang driver na si Armanie Pabillo. Ayon sa imbestigasyon ng PNP, ang krimen ay isinagawa ng isang kidnap-for-hire group na pinamumunuan umano ng isang Chinese national na si David Tan Liao.

Tiniyak ni Gen. Marbil na patuloy ang PNP sa pagpapatupad ng mga konkretong hakbang upang mapanatili ang seguridad at integridad ng impormasyon sa bansa, kasabay ng adhikain ng administrasyong Bagong Pilipinas.

Global Catholic community mourns the death of Pope Francis

Venus L Peñaflor
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Global Catholic community mourns the death of Pope Francis

VATICAN CITY. Shock and sorrow rippled through the global Catholic community on Monday as news broke of Pope Francis’s death at age 88. Beloved by many for his humility and compassion, the Argentine pontiff is being remembered as a shepherd who championed the marginalized and worked tirelessly for unity and peace.

At the Vatican, tourists and pilgrims gathered for Holy Week were left stunned by the news. Just the day before, Pope Francis had greeted crowds from his open-topped popemobile on Easter Sunday, with chants of “Viva il Papa!” echoing through St. Peter’s Square.

“He appeared in public yesterday, looked healthy. I was so shocked, and sad of course,” said Father Bachai, a retired priest from the United States, speaking from the Vatican.

In Buenos Aires, his hometown where he once served as archbishop, Argentinians awoke to the somber news. Nicolas Cordoba, a local resident, expressed deep grief: “It hurts me like crazy, it hurts me a lot because I agreed, more than anything, with his words in support of bisexuals, and homosexuals.” Dozens attended a special Mass held at the Buenos Aires cathedral.

“The truth is, I wasn’t surprised. He was clearly very ill. I think he made a great effort to make it to Easter, which is the great festival for Christians,” said Jorgelina Ventura, a 53-year-old lawyer, reflecting on the pope’s final public appearance.

In the conflict-ridden Democratic Republic of Congo, faithful Catholics also paid tribute to Pope Francis. “The pope really cared about our country, Congo, with the repeated wars we are going through,” said Faida Nabintu, a worshipper in Bukavu, a city held by rebels.

At the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, 25-year-old German pilgrim David Sieben, who had just completed a nine-month journey on foot, prayed for Francis’ legacy to continue. “I pray that the next pope can continue in the footsteps of our beloved Francis and carry on a unity between Orthodox and Catholic,” he said.

Others hoped for fresh leadership but maintained deep respect for Francis’ work. “I think it would bring a breath of fresh air to this whole episcopate and papacy,” said Peter Ladweg while pausing during a run in Berlin.

In South Korea, a nation once visited by Francis, Catholic Ho remembered the pontiff’s response during national tragedy. “When the world is facing complex challenges, the Pope always cares about that, and I always feel deepest gratitude in my heart for him,” Ho said, recalling the Pope’s prayers for victims of the 2014 Sewol ferry disaster that claimed 304 lives.

From Poland, Beata Wolska, a pensioner, praised the Pope’s simplicity and humility. “Holiness is about the way one lives, not about what one thinks of oneself,” she said, referencing Francis’ wish to be buried in a simple wooden coffin in a Roman basilica instead of the Vatican.

In Rio de Janeiro, Rosane Ribeiro called Pope Francis “unique and extraordinary.” She said, “As a priest, he got up every day to pray for the world. He was simply a 10, and died at a marvellous and beautiful time (Easter), worthy of him.”

Meanwhile, in Nairobi, Kenya, worshipper Rosemary Mushayi reflected on the Pope’s universal reach. “He was a man who reached out to the whole world, not just Catholics. He was a man who had a heart for the weak and the poor,” she said.

At noon in Rome, the bells of St. Peter’s Basilica tolled solemnly. A hush fell over the gathered crowd.

“We saw him here, he was just driven by in the car,” said Letizia Bartocci, who works in a jewelry shop near the square. “It was shocking news this morning.”

As tributes pour in from all corners of the world, one thing is clear—Pope Francis, through his humility, compassion, and unwavering faith, leaves behind a legacy that transcends religious boundaries.

Pope Francis dies at 88: A pontificate that challenged tradition and championed the marginalized

Venus L Peñaflor
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Pope Francis dies at 88: A pontificate that challenged tradition and championed the marginalized

Pope Francis has died, Vatican says in video statement

VATICAN CITY. Pope Francis, the first Latin American pontiff and a figure who both inspired admiration and provoked deep division within the Roman Catholic Church, has died at the age of 88, the Vatican announced on Monday through a solemn video statement.

“At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father,” the Vatican said, confirming the end of a historic papacy marked by reform, global outreach, and internal controversy. The Pope had recently battled a severe case of double pneumonia, from which he had initially recovered.

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, he was elected as the 266th pope on March 13, 2013, following the unexpected resignation of Pope Benedict XVI. His election stunned Church observers, as he was seen as an outsider to the Vatican’s traditional power structures. Known for his humility and concern for the poor, Francis immediately set a different tone for the papacy.

Rejecting the grand papal apartments in the Apostolic Palace, Francis chose instead to live in the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta guesthouse, citing his “psychological health” and a desire for community life. His symbolic gestures and straightforward style resonated with many around the world, even as they unsettled traditionalists within the Church.

He inherited a deeply troubled institution rocked by scandals, particularly those involving clerical sex abuse, and infighting within the Curia, the Church’s administrative body. Tasked with cleaning house and restoring moral authority, Pope Francis embarked on an ambitious reform agenda — one that was met with both praise and resistance.

Throughout his papacy, Francis faced fierce opposition from conservatives who accused him of undermining centuries-old traditions. At the same time, some progressives expressed frustration that his reforms did not go far enough in modernizing the Church’s teachings and structures.

Despite the internal discord, Pope Francis became a global moral voice. He tirelessly advocated for interfaith dialogue, environmental stewardship, and social justice, frequently championing the cause of the world’s marginalized, especially migrants and the poor.

During much of his tenure, the Vatican was home to two living popes. After Benedict XVI’s resignation in 2013, he remained within the Vatican walls, dressed in white, until his death in December 2022. Benedict’s continued presence served as a symbolic reminder of the Church’s ideological rift.

By February 2025, Pope Francis had appointed nearly 80% of the cardinals eligible to elect the next pope, significantly shaping the ideological future of the papacy. This has raised the likelihood that his successor may carry forward his progressive legacy, despite persistent resistance from conservative factions.

As tributes pour in from around the world, Pope Francis leaves behind a complex legacy, one of compassion and controversy, reform and resistance. His death marks the end of an era for a Church still wrestling with its past and its path forward.

Tumanggi ang ICC sa hiling ng kampo ni Duterte na higpitan ang verification process ng mga biktima sa war on drugs probe

DC Alviar
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Tumanggi ang ICC sa hiling ng kampo ni Duterte na higpitan ang verification process ng mga biktima sa war on drugs probe

MAYNILA. Tinanggihan ng International Criminal Court (ICC) pre-trial chamber ang kahilingan ng kampo ni dating Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte na higpitan ang proseso ng pag-verify sa mga biktimang nais lumahok sa imbestigasyon kaugnay ng kontrobersyal na “war on drugs.”

Sa 20-pahinang kautusang inilabas noong Abril 17, inaprubahan ng ICC pre-trial chamber ang iminungkahing listahan ng mga dokumento mula sa ICC Registry na maaaring gamitin upang beripikahin ang pagkakakilanlan ng mga aplikanteng biktima. Ayon sa chamber, sapat na ang detalyeng ibinigay ng Registry sa bawat dokumento, kabilang na ang sample format, upang magsilbing patunay ng identidad ng mga aplikante.

Dagdag pa rito, binigyang-diin ng chamber na iminungkahi ng Registry ang pagtanggap ng isang deklarasyon na pirmado ng dalawang saksi, kalakip ang kanilang mga pagkakakilanlan, bilang patunay ng identidad ng aplikante o kaugnayan nito sa isang biktima, sa mga kasong walang sapat na “standard identification documents.”

Umapela naman si Nicholas Kaufman, abogado ng depensa ni Duterte, na hindi patas ang ganitong sistema. Tinuligsa niya ang paggamit ng tinatawag na “non-sequential” list ng ID formats mula sa Registry, na aniya’y “hindi makatarungan” para sa akusado.

Sa kasalukuyan, may hindi bababa sa 43 kaso ng umano’y extrajudicial killings na iniuugnay sa Davao Death Squad at mga operasyon ng pulisya noong administrasyon ni Duterte. Ang mga ito ang bumubuo sa kaso ng crimes against humanity na hinaharap ng dating pangulo.

Binigyan ng ICC pre-trial chamber ang prosekusyon ng palugit hanggang Hulyo 1 upang isumite ang lahat ng ebidensyang ihaharap laban kay Duterte. Ang mga ebidensyang ito ay magsisilbing batayan sa kumpirmasyon ng pagdinig ng kaso na nakatakda sa Setyembre 23.

Pope Francis returns with joyful popemobile ride on Easter

Venus L Peñaflor
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Pope Francis returns with joyful popemobile ride on Easter

VATICAN CITY. Pope Francis made a triumphant return to public view on Easter Sunday, drawing cheers and emotional reactions from a crowd of more than 35,000 in St. Peter’s Square as he greeted pilgrims from his popemobile, just weeks after surviving a life-threatening bout of double pneumonia.

In a surprise moment that electrified the gathered faithful, the 88-year-old pontiff took a ride through the square in his open-topped popemobile, offering blessings and warm smiles. As he passed through the flower-lined piazza under the spring sun, the crowd erupted into chants of “Viva il Papa!” and “Bravo!”

Francis stopped intermittently during the joyful circuit to bless babies brought to him, an image of vitality and pastoral closeness that seemed impossible just weeks ago.

“Brothers and sisters, Happy Easter!” the Pope said, his voice notably stronger than in recent appearances. It marked his first extended public address since his release from the hospital on March 23 after a five-week stay.

Though Cardinal Angelo Comastri, retired archpriest of St. Peter’s Basilica, celebrated the Easter Mass in his place, Francis made a 20-minute appearance from the loggia of the basilica following the Mass. There, he delivered the traditional Urbi et Orbi apostolic blessing in Latin.

The celebration, held under sunny skies and with temperatures reaching 21°C (70°F), was enhanced by the beauty of thousands of daffodils and tulips donated by the Netherlands—a Vatican Easter tradition.

“It is excellent, a miracle,” said Margarita Torres Hernandez, a pilgrim from Mexico. “Now that he has come out, for me it’s a miracle, it’s something very big, very beautiful.”

Brief Meeting with U.S. Vice President JD Vance

Before heading to the basilica, Pope Francis met briefly with U.S. Vice President JD Vance, who was in Rome with his family for Easter. According to the Vatican, the short meeting lasted only a few minutes and served as an exchange of Easter greetings.

“I know you have not been feeling great but it’s good to see you in better health,” Vance told the Pope. In return, Francis gifted three large chocolate Easter eggs for Vance’s children.

Continued Recovery After Serious Illness

The pontiff, who recently endured a 38-day hospital stay due to a severe case of double pneumonia, has made only a few public appearances since returning to the Vatican. He skipped the Good Friday and Holy Saturday services, but Sunday’s return was widely anticipated.

Doctors have prescribed two months of rest and respiratory therapy. While his voice still shows signs of strain, Sunday’s appearance marked a notable improvement.

“It was a very touching moment for us (to see the Pope),” said Marcin Popowsky, a pilgrim from Poland. “And we are very happy that we can see a pope in good shape.”

Easter Message: Hope, Peace, and Solidarity

This year’s Easter, celebrated simultaneously by both Catholic and Orthodox Christians, included Pope Francis’ Urbi et Orbi message, which was read on his behalf by Archbishop Diego Ravelli. The speech offered prayers and appeals for peace in Gaza, Ukraine, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Myanmar, and other conflict zones.

“How much contempt is stirred up at times toward the vulnerable, the marginalized, and migrants!” the Pope’s message declared. “On this day, I would like all of us to hope anew and to revive our trust in others, including those who are different than ourselves, or who come from distant lands, bringing unfamiliar customs, ways of life and ideas! For all of us are children of God!”

A Pastoral Heart for the Margins

Just days before Easter, Francis visited inmates at Rome’s downtown prison to mark Holy Thursday, his first major public outing since being hospitalized. The act reaffirmed the Pope’s enduring pastoral priority: to bring care and hope to those on the margins of society.

With his slow but steady return to health, Francis’ Easter appearance offered not only a sign of personal recovery but also a message of resilience and joy to a world in search of hope.

Trump expresses hope for a Ukraine-Russia agreement this week

EDGARDO HERNAL
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Trump expresses hope for a Ukraine-Russia agreement this week

WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. President Donald Trump expressed optimism on Sunday that Russia and Ukraine might reach a peace agreement within the week, potentially bringing an end to the prolonged conflict that has gripped Eastern Europe for over two years.

In a statement posted on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump wrote in all caps: “BOTH WILL THEN START TO DO BIG BUSINESS WITH THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, WHICH IS THRIVING, AND MAKE A FORTUNE!”

The remark came amid renewed international efforts to mediate peace between Moscow and Kyiv. While neither the Kremlin nor the Ukrainian government has confirmed any scheduled high-level negotiations this week, recent reports have suggested back-channel talks are taking place with the involvement of international mediators.

Trump, who is widely expected to be the Republican frontrunner in the upcoming U.S. presidential election, has frequently claimed that the war in Ukraine would not have escalated under his leadership. In past campaign events, he has vowed to broker a deal between the two nations “within 24 hours” of returning to office, although no specifics of such a plan have been made public.

The conflict, which began with Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and widespread destruction, displacing millions and reshaping global geopolitical alliances.

While Trump’s statement did not cite any concrete developments or ongoing diplomatic efforts, it echoes his earlier rhetoric that peace would be beneficial not only for Europe but also for U.S. economic interests. His suggestion that both nations could “make a fortune” through business with the United States has drawn criticism from some foreign policy experts, who argue that peace processes should prioritize human rights, justice, and long-term stability over commercial gain.

As of this writing, the White House has not issued an official response to Trump’s remarks, and both Ukrainian and Russian officials have remained silent on any immediate breakthrough.

Balik Hunyo ang pasukan! Klase sa public schools, magsisimula sa Hunyo 16, 2025

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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Balik Hunyo ang pasukan! Klase sa public schools, magsisimula sa Hunyo 16, 2025

MAYNILA. Opisyal nang inanunsyo ng Department of Education (DepEd) na magsisimula ang klase para sa School Year 2025–2026 sa Hunyo 16, 2025 sa lahat ng pampublikong paaralan sa bansa.

Batay ito sa DepEd Order No. 12, Series of 2025, kung saan tinukoy din na tatagal ang nasabing school year hanggang Marso 31, 2026. Kabuuang 197 araw ng klase ang itinalaga, kabilang na ang mga aktibidad para sa End-of-School-Year (EOSY) rites.

Gayunman, nilinaw ng DepEd na maaaring magkaroon ng pagbabago sa petsa depende sa mga “hindi inaasahang pangyayari o mga susunod na direktiba.”

Itinakda rin ng ahensya ang panahon ng enrollment at Brigada Eskwela mula Hunyo 9 hanggang Hunyo 13, isang linggo bago ang pagbubukas ng klase.

Ang pagbabalik sa tradisyonal na academic calendar ay bunga ng pag-apruba ni Pangulong Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. noong nakaraang taon. Layon ng hakbang na ito na muling ihanay ang school year sa mga buwan ng Hunyo hanggang Marso, gaya ng nakasanayan bago ang pandemya.

“Isang hakbang pabalik sa nakasanayan”

Ang muling pagbalik sa dating kalendaryo ay tinanggap ng marami bilang hakbang patungo sa normalisasyon ng sistema ng edukasyon sa bansa matapos ang mga pagbabago dulot ng pandemya. Sa ilalim ng bagong direktiba, mas isinaalang-alang ang kalagayan ng mga mag-aaral sa panahon ng tag-init, at ang mga oportunidad para sa academic at extracurricular engagement.

Para sa karagdagang impormasyon at opisyal na kopya ng DepEd Order No. 12, maaaring bisitahin ang opisyal na website ng Department of Education.

Iran, U.S. begin drafting framework for potential nuclear deal after talks show progress

EDGARDO HERNAL
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Iran, U.S. begin drafting framework for potential nuclear deal after talks show progress

DUBAI. Iran and the United States have agreed to begin outlining a framework for a possible nuclear agreement, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said on Saturday, following what a U.S. official described as “very good progress” in recent negotiations.

The development comes after a second round of indirect talks held in Rome, where Araqchi and U.S. President Donald Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, exchanged messages through an Omani mediator for over four hours.

Speaking to Iranian state television after the discussions, Araqchi emphasized the constructive tone of the talks. “We were able to make some progress on several principles and goals, and ultimately reached a better understanding,” he said.

He confirmed that expert-level negotiations are set to begin this coming Wednesday in Oman, where delegates will start “designing a framework for an agreement.” High-level negotiators will reconvene in Oman on Saturday to review the experts’ proposals and assess whether they align with the agreed principles.

Despite the progress, Araqchi tempered expectations: “We cannot say for certain that we are optimistic. We are acting very cautiously. There is no reason either to be overly pessimistic,” echoing the cautious stance of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

The U.S. side confirmed the progress. “Today, in Rome over four hours in our second round of talks, we made very good progress in our direct and indirect discussions,” a senior Trump administration official said.

President Trump, who unilaterally pulled the U.S. out of the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) during his first term in 2018, has repeatedly demanded a new deal that would decisively prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapon. Speaking to reporters on Friday, Trump said: “I’m for stopping Iran, very simply, from having a nuclear weapon. They can’t have a nuclear weapon. I want Iran to be great and prosperous and terrific.”

Iran has long insisted that its nuclear program is peaceful, but since 2019, it has significantly exceeded the limits imposed by the 2015 accord, including stockpiling highly enriched uranium at levels far above what Western powers deem necessary for civilian energy use.

Meanwhile, Israeli officials, who opposed the original 2015 agreement, are reportedly not ruling out military action against Iran’s nuclear infrastructure in the coming months, according to one Israeli official and two sources familiar with the matter.

A senior Iranian official, speaking anonymously, outlined Tehran’s non-negotiable positions: Iran will not agree to dismantle its uranium-enrichment centrifuges, cease enrichment activities entirely, or reduce its enriched uranium stockpile below the thresholds set in the 2015 pact.

As diplomatic efforts cautiously move forward, the world watches closely to see whether a viable path to a new nuclear deal can be forged amid persistent mistrust and heightened geopolitical stakes.

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