TL:DR – US and Iran to Hold Nuclear Talks in Oman Today, Former Israeli PM Warns
• Ehud Olmert warned the US not to underestimate Iran’s negotiating tactics ahead of nuclear talks in Oman on 13 October, indicating their cunning approach.
• Ukraine and Russia successfully swapped 314 prisoners of war during US-mediated talks in Abu Dhabi on 12 October, with Zelenskyy calling the negotiations constructive.
• EU ambassadors were set to review the 20th package of sanctions against Russia on 13 October to further pressure Moscow’s war efforts.
• Portugal will hold a presidential run-off election on 15 October, with Socialist candidate António José Seguro currently leading in polls against far-right rival André Ventura.
Newsletter: Trump endorses Orbán | Former Israeli PM says Iran regime change should come from within
Former Israeli Prime Minister Discusses Iran Ahead of US-Iran Nuclear Talks
On Friday, ahead of critical nuclear talks between the United States and Iran in Oman, former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert warned not to underestimate Tehran’s negotiating tactics. Olmert stated to Euronews correspondent Shona Murray that Iran’s regime would only collapse from within, emphasising that external pressure would not suffice to provoke change.
This statement underlines the complexities surrounding the negotiations, particularly as Olmert described Iranian negotiators as “smart” and “manipulative.” His comments come as the US seeks to address concerns over Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
Olmert Warns Against Underestimating Iranian Negotiators
In his interview, Ehud Olmert cautioned that Iran’s negotiation strategies should not be taken lightly. “Don’t underestimate the Iranians. They are experts. The greatest negotiators on earth are the Iranian,” he stated.
He also highlighted his view on the situation in the occupied West Bank, calling it “entirely different” from Gaza due to Israel‘s control over the region. Olmert characterized Israel’s actions in the West Bank as bordering on ethnic cleansing.
US-Mediated Talks Result in Prisoner Swap Between Ukraine and Russia
Meanwhile, significant developments unfolded regarding the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia. On Thursday, US-mediated talks in Abu Dhabi resulted in the swap of 314 prisoners of war. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the discussions as “constructive,” although he acknowledged continued challenges due to Russia’s territorial demands.
General Ben Hodges, former commander of US Army Europe, reiterated that Russia has not altered its maximalist demands, suggesting a difficult road ahead for peace negotiations.
EU Plans New Sanctions Against Russia
In Brussels, EU ambassadors were set to receive a presentation of the 20th package of sanctions against Russia later today, aimed at further crippling Moscow’s military funding. However, it remains uncertain whether the European Commission will postpone the unveiling until next week.
The backdrop to these developments includes ongoing diplomatic efforts by French President Emmanuel Macron to reopen communication channels with the Kremlin, despite criticism from Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, who dismissed Macron’s recent diplomatic outreach as “pathetic diplomacy.”
European Investment Bank Advocates for Financial Reforms
Echoing calls for action, European Investment Bank chief Nadia Calviño urged the EU to establish a singular Savings and Investments Union before an upcoming leaders’ summit on a Belgian-Dutch border. Her statements speak to the necessity for Europe to adapt quickly to enhance its competitive position in a rapidly changing global landscape.
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