Trump frustrated as Iran talks stall, Gulf wary of renewed war

Trump frustrated as Iran talks stall, Gulf wary of renewed war

Author: The Times of Israel May 19, 2026 Duration: 18:44

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world.

US bureau chief Jacob Magid joins host Jessica Steinberg for today's episode.

As negotiations falter, again, between Iran and the US, and the Gulf States express wariness about renewing war, Magid discusses the two sides' current positions on terms to permanently end the war. Among other demands, Iran is seeking guarantees that hostilities will not resume and, in return, would reopen the Strait of Hormuz. It also continues to seek deferring negotiations over its rogue nuclear program — a stance President Donald Trump has thus far rejected.

In the meantime, Magid reports, the Board of Peace is getting nowhere regarding Hamas's disarmament. The terror group feels emboldened by Iran's ability to withstand US demands, says Magid, and is tightening its grip in the Gaza Strip.

Initial results from last weekend's elections for Fatah’s Central Committee show that PA President Mahmoud Abbas was elected to the panel, reports Magid, as well as his son, millionaire Yasser Abbas. Supporters of exiled prominent Palestinian Mohammed Dahlan were not permitted to participate in the elections, throwing the entire process into question.

Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates.

For further reading:

Trump says US attack on Iran called off after Gulf assurances that deal now possible

US-Iran talks stalled after Tehran tried skirting up-front nuke concessions — officials

US thought Iran war would hasten Gaza’s demilitarization. Instead, Hamas is emboldened

Board of Peace envoy: Hamas tightening its grip on Gaza, taxing those with nothing left

US mulls asking Israel to provide PA tax funds for Trump’s Gaza plan — sources

Early results in Fatah leadership vote show Abbas’s son, intelligence chief elected

Backers of Abbas rival excluded from Fatah confab, despite Egypt’s push for inclusivity

Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple PodcastsSpotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Ari Schlacht.

IMAGE: US bureau chief Jacob Magid joins host Jessica Steinberg for today's Daily Briefing (ToI)

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Each morning, The Times of Israel Daily Briefing cuts through the noise to deliver essential context on the stories shaping Israel and the wider region. Produced by the seasoned journalists of The Times of Israel, this podcast provides more than just headlines; it offers grounded analysis and on-the-ground perspective that listeners won't find in a standard news bulletin. You'll hear directly from reporters and editors who live the story, discussing the political, security, and social developments that matter most. The conversation naturally extends to the broader Middle East and issues affecting Jewish communities worldwide, making sense of complex events with clarity and depth. Tune in for a concise, authoritative briefing that respects your time and intelligence, turning the day's most pressing news into understandable narrative. This is where informed listening begins, a trusted audio resource for anyone seeking a reliable, nuanced understanding of a dynamic and often misunderstood part of the world.
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