Iran has begun an elaborate, dayslong state funeral for former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, months after he was k

"The danger Kurds pose is down the road," a former U.S. official told Newsweek.

An apparent agreement by the US and Iran to pause a fresh outburst of violence stabilized a truce that is the first step to permanently ending the war and underscored that each side has a vital national interest in doing so.

U.S. officials were concerned that Israel might try to assassinate Iran’s negotiators during recent ceasefire talks and Tehran was warned about the possible threat, according to a U.S. official and an Iranian official with knowledge of the matter.

Iran allegedly attacked commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz to counter a new southern corridor developed by the U.S. and Oman, analysts say.

"The Israelis are undoubtedly seeking to disrupt the Iran-US MoU," Ghalibaf added, "but the deterrent power of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the region will prevent them from starting a war again."

The US and Iran say they have reached an agreement that will take effect on Friday. President Donald Trump says the Strait of Hormuz will reopen upon signing. Follow for live updates.