Just a Thought

US and Iran reach ceasefire extension deal pending Trump's final approval

The tentative 60-day pact extends the ceasefire and opens nuclear talks, but still hinges on President Trump's final sign-off

Robert McGreevy , Patrick Ward / Fox News 

U.S. and Iranian negotiators have reached an agreement on a 60-day memorandum of understanding extending the current ceasefire and launching negotiations on Iran's nuclear program, but the deal still needs President Donald Trump's final approval, U.S. sources confirmed to Fox News.

The deal follows weeks of talks threatened by heightened tensions after U.S. engaged in defensive strikes on Iran.

The U.S. first launched "self-defense strikes" in southern Iran on Monday, with U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) claiming the U.S. targeted Iranian boats spotted laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz. CENTCOM also claimed an Iranian missile had targeted U.S. warplanes. 

The U.S. responded by eliminating both Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) boats spotted laying the mines and a surface-to-air (SAM) missile site in Bandar Abbas, U.S. officials previously told Fox News. 

The U.S. then shot down an array of Iranian drones in the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday shortly before Iran launched a ballistic missile strike on U.S. ally Kuwait. Though Kuwaiti forces successfully intercepted the missile, CENTCOM called the launch an "egregious ceasefire violation." Read more, see photos and video here.

Putin lands $16.5B nuclear win on Russia’s doorstep in massive Kazakhstan pact: reports

Rosatom will lead construction of two advanced reactors with an export loan covering roughly 85% of the cost

Emma Bussey / Fox News  

Russia signed a landmark nuclear agreement with Kazakhstan on Thursday to build the Central Asian country’s first-ever commercial power plant, marking a major geopolitical and economic victory for President Vladimir Putin, according to reports.

The $16.5 billion project, signed during high-level bilateral talks in Astana between Putin and Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, will be backed by a Russian export loan covering roughly 85% of the total cost, Reuters reported.

Rosatom, Russia’s state-run nuclear corporation, will lead construction near the village of Ulken in southeastern Kazakhstan along the shores of Lake Balkhash.

Rosatom secured the primary construction mandate after beating out competition from China National Nuclear Corp., France’s EDF and Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power, the outlet said. 

The pact directly advances the Kremlin’s efforts to anchor its economic and geopolitical influence within former Soviet states amid Western sanctions.

According to the World Nuclear Association, Kazakhstan is the world's largest producer of uranium. Read more, see photos and video here.

RIGHT SIDE PATRIOTS...LIVE! 

Today, Friday, May 29th from 7 to 8:00pm EST, RIGHT SIDE PATRIOTS Craig Andresen and Diane Sori discuss the latest Iran updates; Putin's nuclear win with Kazakhstan; Newsom’s proposed100% tax on all funds received by California from the DOJ's anti-weaponization fund; and our Q&A 'Off the Cuff' segment. Tune in to RIGHT SIDE PATRIOTS on https://rspradio1.com Click 'LISTEN LIVE.'