Donald Trump on Thursday warned Iran to enter talks to end the Middle East war “before it is too late,” after Tehran publicly rejected US efforts to resolve the nearly month-long conflict.
The warning came as Israel announced it had killed the naval commander of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, Alireza Tangsiri, accusing him of orchestrating the disruption of the Strait of Hormuz since the war began.
Hopes for a negotiated settlement briefly rose amid reports that Washington had presented a peace plan to Tehran. However, Iranian officials denied direct talks, even as Pakistan confirmed it was facilitating indirect exchanges by relaying messages between both sides. A 15-point US proposal is reportedly under consideration in Tehran.
“They better get serious soon… there is no turning back,” Trump said on social media, claiming Iran had been “militarily obliterated.”
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi denied any formal negotiations with Washington but acknowledged ongoing communication through “friendly countries,” insisting Tehran would only end the war on its own terms.
Pakistan has emerged as a key intermediary, with Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar saying countries including Turkey and Egypt are also supporting the process. The Gulf Cooperation Council has expressed interest in participating in potential talks.
Meanwhile, the conflict continues to intensify. Israel launched fresh “wide-scale” strikes across Iran, targeting cities including Isfahan, Shiraz, Tabriz, and Bandar Abbas, with the violence spreading eastward to previously less-affected areas.
Iran has maintained retaliatory attacks on Israel, where falling debris from intercepted missiles injured several people. The conflict has also spilled into the Gulf, with casualties reported near Abu Dhabi and drone attacks targeting Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.
Rising tensions have rattled global markets, with oil prices rebounding amid uncertainty over negotiations and fears of prolonged disruption to energy routes.
Trump also suggested Iranian officials may be concealing talks for fear of being targeted, following the killing of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. The White House has not disclosed who it is engaging with in Iran.
The war has further expanded to Lebanon, where Iran-backed Hezbollah has intensified rocket fire into Israel. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said troops have established a “security zone” in southern Lebanon, as clashes continue.
Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem dismissed the prospect of negotiations, calling any talks with Israel “surrender,” as both sides exchanged fresh missile attacks.
AFP
