Iran’s military rejects Trump’s talk of negotiation, Israel and Iran launch airstrikes

Tensions in the Middle East escalated sharply as Iran’s military rejected claims by U.S. President Donald Trump that negotiations were underway, while Iran and Israel continued exchanging intense airstrikes across the region.

Iran’s armed forces dismissed Washington’s assertions of ongoing diplomacy, calling them misleading and insisting that no direct talks are taking place. Military officials accused the United States of “negotiating with itself,” citing a long history of failed agreements and distrust between the two sides. (Reuters)

The rejection comes after reports that the U.S. had proposed a detailed peace plan aimed at ending the conflict, including conditions related to Iran’s nuclear program and regional influence. However, Iranian leaders have shown little willingness to engage under current circumstances, deepening the diplomatic deadlock. (The Guardian)

Meanwhile, the conflict on the ground has intensified. Israel launched fresh airstrikes targeting Iranian military infrastructure in Tehran, including missile and intelligence facilities. In response, Iran carried out retaliatory strikes on Israeli cities and targeted U.S. positions across the Middle East. (Reuters)

The ongoing hostilities are part of a broader war that began in late February 2026, following joint U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iranian sites. Since then, repeated missile exchanges and aerial bombardments have caused significant casualties and widespread destruction on both sides. (Wikipedia)

The escalation has also had global repercussions. Iran’s disruption of key oil routes, particularly the Strait of Hormuz, has raised fears of an energy crisis, prompting international agencies to consider emergency measures to stabilize markets. (Reuters)

Despite calls from global leaders for a ceasefire, prospects for peace remain uncertain. With both military operations and political rhetoric intensifying, the region faces the risk of a prolonged and wider conflict.