US and Iran near framework deal despite lingering differences, according to Axios
via Egypt Today2 min read
US and Iranian negotiators have made progress in talks, moving closer to a potential framework agreement to end the ongoing conflict, according to US officials cited by Axios. The discussions, mediated by Egypt, Pakistan, and Türkiye, aim to narrow remaining differences before a ceasefire expires on April 21. Despite the progress, US officials and sources familiar with the mediation caution that a final agreement remains uncertain due to significant gaps between Washington and Tehran. President Donald Trump's negotiating team, including Vice President JD Vance, special envoy Steve Witkoff, and senior adviser Jared Kushner, engaged in intensive backchannel communications, exchanging proposals with mediators and Iranian officials. Reports suggest Washington and Tehran might return to Islamabad for another round of talks after an earlier round ended without a breakthrough. A high-level Pakistani delegation, led by Army Chief Asim Munir, arrived in Tehran to facilitate negotiations. Trump expressed optimism, stating the conflict, under a two-week ceasefire, is "very close to over" and talks may resume soon, potentially leading to an agreement.
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Egypt's Ministry of Health announced on Friday that there are no confirmed hantavirus cases in the country, emphasizing continuous epidemiological surveillance in coordination with national and international authorities. The ministry stated that Egypt's health situation remains "stable and fully safe." This statement follows a World Health Organization WHO report of two laboratory-confirmed and five suspected hantavirus cases, including three deaths, on the Dutch-flagged MV Hondiu cruise ship, which had sailed from Argentina and Cape Verde. Hantavirus infection, primarily transmitted through contact with infected rodent excretions, is rare but can be severe and fatal. While human-to-human transmission is limited, it has been observed with the Andes virus. Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome HPS has a mortality rate of up to 38% among patients with respiratory symptoms. The Egyptian ministry is monitoring media reports but reassures citizens that the "current situation does not warrant concern." Egypt's epidemiological surveillance system operates efficiently at all entry points, and the ministry is coordinating with WHO and other international bodies to ensure a rapid response to any developments, prioritizing public health with transparency and professionalism.
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