NEWS DESK (MNN); US President Donald Trump has said that negotiations to end the war with Iran are currently in progress, claiming that Tehran is eager to reach a deal.
Despite these remarks, Iran has denied any ongoing talks. Iranian parliamentary speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf dismissed the claims as “fake news,” alleging they were aimed at influencing global financial and oil markets.
Meanwhile, the conflict continues to intensify. Iranian missile strikes hit multiple locations in Tel Aviv and nearby areas, causing significant structural damage and resulting in at least four casualties.
The United States Central Command confirmed that American forces are continuing aggressive strikes on targets inside Iran, even as Iranian drones and missiles targeted Gulf countries, including Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait overnight.
Trump reiterated in a briefing that diplomatic engagement remains active, asserting that Iran has agreed to the key US demand of not pursuing nuclear weapons. However, he offered mixed signals, at one point claiming the war had effectively been won, while also stating that its end could not be guaranteed.
The US president further suggested that regime change in Iran had been achieved, arguing that the country’s top leadership had been weakened, leaving lower-tier figures in control.
According to Trump, senior US officials involved in the talks include Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, envoy Steve Witkoff, and adviser Jared Kushner.
In a separate development, the International Atomic Energy Agency reported that a projectile struck the premises of Iran’s Bushehr nuclear power plant, though Tehran said there was no damage or casualties and that operations remained normal.
Trump also made vague remarks about Iran providing a “gift” related to oil and gas but declined to give details. Analysts speculate it may be linked to recent easing of US sanctions on Iranian oil and the possible sale of previously stranded shipments, though no official confirmation has been provided.
IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi urged maximum restraint to avoid nuclear safety risks amid the escalating conflict.
On the military front, Iran claimed it carried out drone strikes targeting facilities linked to Israel’s Rafael weapons company in Haifa. Iranian sources also reported attacks on multiple locations, including Eilat, Dimona and areas around Tel Aviv, as well as alleged US bases in the region.
Tehran said its air defence systems successfully intercepted incoming cruise missiles and drones over central and southern areas of the country.
Additionally, Iran informed members of the International Maritime Organization that “non-hostile vessels” could pass through the Strait of Hormuz if they coordinate with Iranian authorities. The strategic waterway typically handles around 20 percent of global oil shipments.
Israel has not officially commented on several of Iran’s claims regarding the latest strikes.
