The Digest;
US President Donald Trump has claimed that negotiations with Iran to end the Middle East war are underway "right now," even as Iran and Israel exchanged fresh strikes. Trump said Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are involved in the talks. However, Tehran has not confirmed any negotiations, with its parliamentary speaker stating "no negotiations" are underway, though the foreign ministry acknowledged messages had been relayed by "friendly countries." Israeli military spokesman insisted the country's war plan remains "unchanged" despite Trump's diplomatic overtures.
Key Points:
- Trump's claim of ongoing talks contrasts with Tehran's denial, creating uncertainty about actual diplomatic progress.
- Pakistan has offered to host US-Iran talks, with reports suggesting a possible meeting as early as this week.
- The war, which began on February 28 with US-Israeli attacks that killed Iran's supreme leader, has spread across the Middle East.
- Israeli strikes targeted Iran's Bushehr nuclear plant compound, though no damage was reported.
- Oil prices remain volatile, with Brent trading above $100 per barrel amid ongoing hostilities.
As diplomatic signals emerge amid continued military strikes, the gap between Trump's optimistic claims and Tehran's cautious response underscores the fragility of any potential breakthrough in the conflict.
Sources: AFP, Channels Television
