Russia to UAE, Iran steps up diplomacy amid Trump threats: What we know

Iran is stepping up diplomatic efforts as Donald Trump warns that the United States could resume large-scale strikes. Axios reported that CENTCOM is preparing major operations and awaiting orders from Washington, after Iran downed two US reconnaissance drones near Qeshm Island. Tehran sent Washington a nuclear and peace proposal through Qatari mediators, but says talks and reopening the Strait of Hormuz depend on meeting seven demands, including lifting sanctions, unfreezing Iranian assets and ending the US naval blockade. Iranian security official Mohsen Rezaei also travelled to Moscow, saying the strait would remain closed and negotiations would not take place until the demands are met.