Russia's position on the Ukraine ceasefire dominated coverage, evolving from morning rejection of a "short-term" pause to Putin's afternoon statement accepting the proposal with conditions that it must lead to "permanent peace and addressing root causes." This followed yesterday's Ukrainian acceptance of the Trump-proposed 30-day ceasefire.
The US imposed new sanctions on Iran's Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad, with President Pezeshkian responding that "enemies cannot create problems by sanctioning Iran's oil." This occurred as Iran summoned three European ambassadors to the Foreign Ministry and announced plans for nuclear negotiations in Beijing with Russia and China on Friday.
Israeli airstrikes targeted Islamic Jihad Secretary-General Ziad Nakhaleh's residence in Damascus, with Israel warning Syria about harboring "Islamic terrorism." Domestically, newspapers reported economic challenges in the textile industry and Chaharshanbeh Suri celebrations resulting in 286 injuries and 5 deaths.