A Gaza truce was holding on Wednesday as Egyptian mediators pursued talks with Israeli and Palestinian representatives on an enduring end to a war that has devastated the Hamas Islamist-dominated enclave.

Rebuked the secretary of state for blaming Israel for peace talk failure.

Secretary of State John Kerry suggested he may pull back from his mediator role in trying to reach a Middle East peace agreement, calling for a "reality check" as negotiations near collapse.

Said security pact is necessary to give Afghan people confidence.

Favorable nuclear deal frustrates Israel, boosts Tehran's regional clout.

"Those kids in Tahrir Square, they were not motivated by any religion or ideology," he said.

Will guarantee Tehran will lack capacity to develop nuclear weapons.

Daughter of slain president and Democratic powerbroker begins work on critical partnership.

Says foreign colleagues have been understanding about revelations.

Some progress seen in promises to offer wider access to inspectors.