Three Iranian and Western sources told Reuters that Tehran has begun discussions on selling oil to Japanese companies, while potential buyers are seeking a longer-term exemption from U.S. sanctions and assurances that shipping conditions in the Gulf will remain safe. The exemption, which is part of»»»

The history of attempts to resolve the conflict between Israel and Lebanon has been marked by repeated false dawns. Each round of fighting has typically been followed by some form of agreement, often even a UN Security Council resolution to give it an international stamp of approval, only for hosti»»»