Good morning from Abu Dhabi. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said his country “remains committed to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty”, a day after President Masoud Pezeshkian enacted legislation suspending co-operation with the International Atomic Energy Agency, adding that any engagement will now go through the Supreme National Security Council.

It remains unclear how, when or if IAEA inspectors will be granted access to Iran’s nuclear sites.

The statement appears designed to reframe Iran’s decision to halt cooperation as a contingent and potentially reversible move, presented as necessary for security reasons following attacks on its nuclear facilities. By restating its commitment to the NPT, Tehran signals that it is not yet prepared to escalate further by withdrawing from the treaty.

In Syria, an investigation by The National has uncovered how authorities in Damascus are arresting figures from the former regime.

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A satellite image shows Iran's damaged Arak nuclear reactor after Israeli air strikes in June. Reuters

Iran says it 'remains committed' to nuclear non-proliferation treaty

Iran “remains committed to the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and its safeguards agreement”, its Foreign Minister said on Thursday, a day after President Masoud Pezeshkian put into effect a law suspending co-operation with the UN nuclear watchdog.

Assad loyalists arrested in Syria, clockwise from top left, Brig Gen Rami Ismail, Col Thaer Hussein, Col Ziad Kokash, Waseem Al Assad, Maj Gen Mizr Suwan and Maj Gen Mowaffaq Haidar. Photo: Syrian Ministry of Interior

Special reportInside Syria's hunt for Assad loyalists

High-profile figures from the former regime are being captured by the authorities in Damascus

Funerals were held in Gaza on Thursday after a strike near the Nasser Hospital caused several casualties. Reuters

Hamas in talks on final details of Gaza ceasefire

Hamas leaders are holding talks on the final details of a Gaza ceasefire deal, sources told The National.

Ahmad Al Shara is expected to attend the UN’s annual General Assembly gathering in September. AP

US prepares UN resolution to lift sanctions on Syrian leader

The US is preparing to circulate to the UN Security Council a draft resolution calling for the lifting of sanctions on Syria’s leader Ahmad Al Shara.

The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam in 2022. Construction began 14 years ago. AP

Ethiopia says building of Nile dam now complete

Construction of Ethiopia’s controversial Nile dam is complete and Egypt and Sudan, downstream nations that vigorously opposed it, are invited to its inauguration ceremony.


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Tearful appearance

Chancellor Rachel Reeves set markets on edge as she appeared visibly distraught in parliament on Wednesday. 

Legislative setbacks for the government have blown a new hole in the budgetary calculations at a time when the deficit is stubbornly large and the economy is struggling to grow. 

She appeared with Keir Starmer on Thursday and the pair embraced, but he had failed to give her his backing as she cried a day earlier.

A spokesman said her upset demeanour was due to a personal matter.

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