Overview

• Iran’s supreme leader said Tehran will never bow to U.S. demands and dismissed the prospect of direct negotiations with Washington.
• Iran froze its U.S. track after June strikes on its nuclear sites, and it is now set to meet Britain, France and Germany on August 26 to restart a diplomatic channel.
• The three European governments have warned they could trigger the UN snapback mechanism if Tehran does not reengage on curbing enrichment.
• Reporting points to an internal debate in Tehran, with Ali Larijani and allies proposing a 20% enrichment cap, while hardliners resist concessions.
• Military tensions linger as Iran’s defense minister touted more capable missiles and warned of a potential new confrontation with Israel.