US-Iran Technical Talks Begin in Doha as Israel Vows to Stay in Lebanon (Jul 1, 1556 UTC, 1856 Israel) (Evening Edition)

• Doha Technical Talks — US and Iranian negotiators opened technical talks in Doha on July 1, establishing working groups to implement the bilateral Memorandum of Understanding and negotiate a final agreement News 0404 IL. Iran’s senior nuclear negotiator Kazem Gharibabadi met with the Qatari prime minister, and a trilateral meeting was held between senior negotiators from Iran, Qatar, and Pakistan to discuss implementation mechanisms IRNA Al-Manar TV. President Trump said Iran has made “great progress” on the deal and that the US is on a path toward “Iranian denuclearization” Bint Jbeil News. The Wall Street Journal reported that Trump reviewed military options for a full-scale war against Iran but decided to pursue diplomacy for now, concerned that renewed conflict could jeopardize a diplomatic resolution and the dismantling of Iran’s nuclear program Behold Israel Al-Manar TV.
• Iranian Warnings — Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned that any threat against Iran’s people or leadership would be met with an “immediate and decisive response,” and called Israel Trump’s “pets” that must be controlled Times of Israel Al-Manar TV. Acting Defense Minister said Iran’s missile and drone capabilities are a “red line” and non-negotiable IRNA. Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council Mohammad Baqer Zolqadr vowed that those responsible for the assassination of Leader Khamenei would face justice IRNA.
• Khamenei Funeral Preparations — Officials and leaders from around 40 countries are expected to attend the funeral ceremonies for Ayatollah Khamenei, according to the funeral committee spokesperson Al-Manar TV. President Pezeshkian called for the ceremonies to symbolize national unity and cohesion IRNA.
• Domestic Repression — Iran intensified its crackdown on teachers’ union activists, arresting the union head and sentencing three educators to prison IranWire. Political prisoner Fatemeh Sepehri ended her hunger strike, while Leila Afarin, a prisoner with a brain tumor, was denied medical release IranWire. The IRGC reportedly warned the family of Kamal Kharrazi after poisoning claims surfaced IranWire.
• Frozen Assets — Saudi media reported an agreement to release $3 billion in frozen Iranian assets Israel Hayom. FDD analysis noted Iran’s push for the release of frozen assets as part of the diplomatic track FDD.

• Israeli Military Activity — An Israeli drone dropped three sound bombs over the southern Lebanese town of Yater Al-Manar TV. UNIFIL confirmed it was verifying reports that the Israeli army had constructed crossing gates in areas of southern Lebanon, and had previously placed obstacles on roads in Naqoura and near Iskandarouna between Naqoura and Al-Bayyada Bint Jbeil News.
• Political Statements — Prime Minister Netanyahu, at a ceremony marking 20 years since the Lebanon war, said Iran wanted to force an Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon but “that will not happen” News 0404 IL. Defense Minister Katz threatened to attack Iran “a third time if necessary” News 0404 IL. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun stated that the framework agreement from Washington negotiations preserves Lebanon’s rights and sovereignty, and that Lebanon negotiates for itself; he warned against sedition and attacks on the army Bint Jbeil News.
• Casualty Figures — The Health Emergency Operations Center reported a cumulative death toll of 4,297 and 12,196 injured from Israeli aggression between March 2 and July 1 Al-Manar TV.
• US Coordination — CENTCOM Commander arrived in Lebanon to establish a coordination mechanism with the IDF Israel Hayom. Al Jazeera analysis argued that Israel’s continued presence in Lebanon is undermining the US-Iran MoU Al Jazeera English.

• Israeli Strikes — Israeli aircraft carried out a strike on northern Gaza City, and a drone strike on Al-Naser Street in central Gaza City injured multiple Palestinians Quds News Network. Palestinian goalkeeper Saleem Al-Ashqar was shot dead by Israeli forces in Gaza Al Jazeera English.
• Recovery of Remains — Civil Defense teams recovered the remains of a Palestinian man killed by Israeli forces in Block G camp in southern Gaza; only bones and a bracelet bearing the name “Ayham” were found. Thousands remain missing across Gaza Quds News Network.
• Hostage Deal Criticism — Former head of the Missing and Captive Soldiers Command, Maj. Gen. (res.) Nitzan Alon, said the war in Gaza could have ended at least a year earlier, and that approximately 40 hostages taken alive were killed in captivity. He criticized Finance Minister Smotrich for opposing earlier deals and said the cabinet refused earlier agreements in the name of “total victory,” which he called a lie Israel Hayom.

Settler Activity — Extremist Israeli settlers seized a Palestinian home near Atara village and trespassed on Palestinian lands in the Bedouin community of Al-Tayba Quds News Network.

• US-Iran Talks — US and Iran opened technical negotiations in Doha with working groups established to implement the MoU and negotiate a final agreement News 0404 IL IRNA. Qatari Emir discussed the US-Iran negotiations and developments in Lebanon with US envoys Witkoff and Kushner N12 Chat.
• Syria — Syria’s President Sharaa appointed 210 lawmakers to the new People’s Assembly, which will hold its first session on Monday; 15 women were among the appointees, bringing total female lawmakers to 21 Times of Israel Al Jazeera English.
• Venezuela Aid — An Israeli aid delegation, including military advisers and Home Front Command experts, departed for earthquake-hit Venezuela, a country with no diplomatic ties to Israel. The death toll surpassed 1,900 Times of Israel.
• UN Rapporteur Criticism — The UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in Iran criticized the US-Iran deal for ignoring the Iranian people IranWire.

• NATO — The US ambassador to NATO said there is “no doubt” President Trump is disappointed with Spain N12 Chat.
• Lufthansa — A Lufthansa plane landed at Ben Gurion Airport for the first time since Operation “Roar of the Lion” N12 Chat.

• Venezuela Aid — An Israeli aid delegation, including military advisers and Home Front Command experts, departed for earthquake-hit Venezuela, a country with no diplomatic ties to Israel. The death toll surpassed 1,900 Times of Israel.
• US Politics — Democratic Socialists of America candidate Melat Kiros defeated a 30-year incumbent in the Democratic primary for Colorado’s 1st Congressional District Behold Israel.

Afghanistan-Pakistan — Cross-border drone strikes between Afghanistan and Pakistan have left bilateral ties in tatters Al Jazeera English.

• Syria — Syria’s new 210-member parliament began legislative duties, marking a historic shift after decades of Assad family rule Al Jazeera English Times of Israel.
• Oil Prices — US crude oil futures fell to $68.22 per barrel, the lowest since February 27 Bint Jbeil News. Brent spot was $70.46 vs $72.95 futures; a 21% June drop was the largest since March 2020 TLDR Iran SITREP.
• Energy Sector Impact — Analysts said the war on Iran will accelerate the shift to renewables and the search for alternatives to the Strait of Hormuz Al Jazeera English.