Israel Advances in Gaza, Trump Seeks Iran Nuclear Deal

Israel's Defense Minister Israel Katz stated on Friday that the IDF is prepared to capture Gaza section by section if Hamas does not release the remaining 59 hostages. As of Thursday, March 20, 2025, Israeli forces had retaken the Netzarim Corridor and entered Beit Lahiya, Khan Younis, and Rafah. Katz also mentioned President Trump's idea of a "voluntary transfer" of Gaza's population abroad. Separately, on Sunday, March 23, 2025, U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff said President Trump's outreach to Iran's Supreme Leader Khamenei regarding a new nuclear deal aims to avoid military action. Trump had warned Khamenei earlier this month of military action if a deal isn't made. Khamenei rejected the offer, but Iranian Foreign Minister Araqchi stated on March 20, 2025, that Iran would respond to the U.S. letter. Araqchi also said that Iran is not opposed to talks, but Washington needs to recalibrate its policy. The U.S. has issued four rounds of sanctions on Iran's oil sales since January 20, 2025.