Israel, Egypt exchange draft proposals aimed at securing truce: Report
Israel and Egypt have reportedly exchanged draft documents on a ceasefire-for-captives deal, according to a report from Israel’s Kan public broadcaster.
The new proposals are aimed at bridging the gap between a ceasefire extension tabled by US special envoy Steve Witkoff, and a counter one tabled by Egypt and Qatar in late March, according to the report.
Witkoff’s proposal, tabled last month, called for the release of five Israeli captives in exchange for a two-month ceasefire and the release of a large number of Palestinian prisoners from Israeli prisons.
Egypt’s proposal calls for Hamas to release eight living captives and eight deceased captives in exchange for a truce lasting between 40 and 70 days, as well as Israel releasing a large number of Palestinians from prisons.
Iran giving talks with US a ‘genuine chance’
This is what the Iranian Foreign Ministry’s spokesperson posted on X earlier today, in reference to talks set to take place tomorrow in Oman between Washington and Tehran over Iran’s nuclear program.
“In earnest & with candid vigilance we are giving diplomacy a genuine chance,” Esmaeil Baghaei said.
In earnest & with candid vigilance we are giving diplomacy a genuine chance.
U.S. should value this decision formed despite their prevailing confrontational hoopla.
We do not prejudge…
We do not predict…
We intend to assess the other side’s intent & resolve this Saturday.…
— Esmaeil Baqaei (@IRIMFA_SPOX) April 11, 2025
His comments come after US President Donald Trump made a surprise announcement on Monday of the direct talks set to begin in the Gulf nation over the weekend, warning that Iran would be in “great danger” if the talks were unsuccessful.
The announcement caused some confusion because Iran had said the talks would be indirect, with the Omanis acting as mediators. Previously, Iranian officials said they wouldn’t be bullied into negotiations.
“We intend to assess the other side’s intent and resolve this Saturday,” Baqaei added.
Iran’s state media said the talks would be led by Minister of Foreign Affairs Abbas Araghchi and US Presidential Envoy Steve Witkoff, with the intermediation of Oman’s foreign minister, Badr al-Busaidi.
