US lifts some sanctions on IRGC, Netanyahu: Israel’s existence is not a subject for negotiations

The US Commerce Department announced the lifting of sanctions on two aircraft and three airlines associated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. The decision comes amid reports of progress in negotiations between Iran and the United States.

A senior representative of one of the Arab states of the Persian Gulf, familiar with the progress of the negotiations, told CNN that there is a 50% chance that a US-Iran agreement will be reached on August 7. He noted that there are no representatives of the IRGC in the Iranian delegation leading the negotiations.

Reuters quotes a senior American source as saying that the United States has agreed to give Iran control of ships passing into the Persian Gulf through the Strait of Hormuz. The issue of control over ships traveling in the opposite direction is being discussed.

Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said: “Donald Trump is Israel’s greatest friend among American presidents, and the United States is our greatest ally. But Israel’s existence is not negotiable. Regardless of whether an agreement is reached, we will do whatever is necessary to ensure the security and future of our country.”