Iran says domestic flights could restart after truce, no major damage

An Iranian lawmaker said any future agreement with the United States could pave the way for normalizing relations, while warning Tehran could increase pressure if sanctions are not lifted.

Ahmad Bakhshayesh Ardestani, a member of parliament’s national security committee, said “any deal with the US could be a prelude to normalizing relations.”

“Many countries have fought with the US and later established relations,” he said, citing examples including Vietnam.

He added that US President Donald Trump is seeking a political win from any agreement.

“Trump has sent a message that he needs to achieve a victory in this deal so that his standing is not weakened,” he said, adding this could give Iran leverage over the Strait of Hormuz.

He said Iran would maintain its right to uranium enrichment and expects sanctions relief that would allow it to sell oil more freely.

“If sanctions are not lifted, we will resume pressure in the Strait of Hormuz and create leverage,” he said.

Oisin McGuinness, 21, Nathan Dunn, 19, and a 16-year-old boy were all charged with arson with intent to endanger life. McGuinness faces an additional charge of dangerous driving. All three suspects are British nationals and are scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court.

The incident occurred on Wednesday evening when an ignited container was thrown into a car park near the network’s studios in northwest London. There were no reports of injuries or damage following the attempted attack. Officers pursued a black SUV which later crashed on Ballards Lane in Finchley.

In a statement, Iran International said the attack highlights increasing pressure on its journalists and their families, particularly following the recent war involving Iran.

The broadcaster said its staff and their relatives have faced threats and harassment, describing the situation as an effort to silence independent reporting.

Iran’s nationwide internet shutdown has reached 49 days, with connectivity at about 2% of normal levels despite limited access to some services, internet monitor NetBlocks said.

The group said the disruption has lasted around 1,152 hours, with only partial access observed for some users, including the Google search homepage.

Iran has faced one of the longest nationwide internet shutdowns on record, with connectivity dropping to a fraction of ordinary levels during the crisis.

An Iranian lawmaker said restoring internet access is not in the country’s interest at present and called on authorities to compensate businesses and citizens for losses.

Fazlollah Ranjbar, a member of parliament’s social committee, said compensation should be funded through revenues from the Strait of Hormuz, the release of frozen funds and expanded economic ties.

“In the current situation, restoring the internet is not in the country’s interest,” he said, adding he does not support reopening access at this stage.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif welcomed the announcement of a ceasefire in Lebanon and expressed hope it would lead to lasting peace.

“I welcome the announcement of a ceasefire in Lebanon and express the hope that it will pave the way for sustainable peace,” Sharif said in a post on X.

He said the truce was facilitated through “bold and sagacious diplomatic efforts led by President Donald Trump.”

“Pakistan reaffirms its unwavering support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Lebanon,” he added, saying Islamabad would continue to support efforts aimed at lasting peace in the region.