In a surprising turn, former President Donald Trump announced that productive negotiations have taken place with Iran regarding the ongoing war. This statement comes as the US-Israel conflict against Iran enters its 25th day, raising eyebrows internationally.
Despite Trump’s claims, Iranian officials, including Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, have vehemently denied any negotiations, labeling the assertions as fabrications aimed at manipulating global oil and financial markets. Ghalibaf stated, “No negotiations have been held with the US, and fakenews is used to manipulate the financial and oil markets and escape the quagmire in which the US and Israel are trapped.”
The war, which began on February 28, 2026, has already resulted in over 82,000 civilian structures damaged or destroyed and approximately 1,500 people killed in Iran due to the conflict. The humanitarian impact is staggering, with Iran’s government arresting 466 individuals accused of attempting to destabilize the country through online activities.
As tensions rise, Trump has issued a 48-hour deadline for Iran to reopen the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, which was later extended for five days. This ultimatum adds pressure on Iran, which has been actively intercepting threats, including 301 drones and 153 missiles since the war’s inception.
Iran’s new secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr, faces a challenging environment as the conflict escalates. Meanwhile, the international community watches closely, with China’s top diplomat emphasizing that “talking is always better than to keep fighting.”
Reactions from various leaders highlight the urgency for dialogue. Majed al-Ansari remarked, “The sooner warring parties get to the negotiating table, the better.”
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the actual status of negotiations between the US and Iran, leaving many questions unanswered as the conflict continues to unfold.