US President Donald Trump announced on Monday that the United States is engaged in “serious discussions” with a so-called “new and reasonable regime” in Iran, aiming to end US military involvement there. He shared via his social media platform, Truth Social, that “great progress” had been made in these talks but cautioned that failure to reach an agreement could lead to escalation.
Trump warned that if negotiations collapse or if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed to international shipping, the US may target critical Iranian infrastructure, including power plants, oil wells, and Kharg Island. He stated that the US would conclude its presence in Iran by “obliterating” such facilities, also citing previous attacks on US personnel as justification for such actions.
Details about the ongoing negotiations or the participants involved were not disclosed by Trump. His comments come amid escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran, raising concerns about regional stability and the potential impact on global energy supplies.
Meanwhile, Iran dismissed US proposals on Monday to end the month-long conflict in the Middle East, labeling them “unrealistic, illogical and excessive.” The rejection coincided with fresh missile attacks on Israel, intensifying the conflict and pushing oil prices higher.
The situation further deteriorated as Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis joined the hostilities, heightening fears of disruptions to vital shipping lanes and increasing pressure on energy markets worldwide. Israel’s military intercepted two drones launched from Yemen on Monday, following the Houthis’ initial missile attacks on Israel earlier in the week. Additionally, Lebanon’s Hezbollah fired rockets toward Israel, broadening the scope of the conflict.
In retaliation, Israeli forces struck what they described as military targets in Tehran and Hezbollah-linked sites in Beirut, producing thick plumes of black smoke over the Lebanese capital.
Trump reiterated his demand for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz—a crucial conduit for global oil and gas shipments—warning that failure to do so could provoke strikes against Iranian energy infrastructure.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei acknowledged receiving indirect messages suggesting US openness to negotiations, following a recent meeting of foreign ministers from Pakistan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey held in Islamabad to mediate the crisis. However, Baghaei rejected the US proposals, emphasizing Iran’s focus on defense amid what it perceives as ongoing military aggression.
He stated, “Our position is clear. We are under military aggression. Therefore, all our efforts and strength are focused on defending ourselves.” A Pakistani security official indicated that direct US-Iran talks this week seemed unlikely, although efforts to facilitate dialogue continue.
Baghaei also revealed that Iran’s parliament is considering a withdrawal from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, which obliges member states to refrain from developing nuclear weapons while pursuing peaceful nuclear energy. Trump has consistently cited preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons as a rationale for US actions, while Tehran denies any such ambitions.
The war, now stretching into its fourth week, has expanded across multiple fronts, disturbing energy supplies and fueling fears of wider military escalation. Iran has launched attacks on several Arab Gulf states, while clashes involving Hezbollah have intensified in Lebanon. A UN peacekeeper from Indonesia was killed and another critically wounded after a projectile struck a peacekeeping post in southern Lebanon.
Brent crude prices surged sharply amid concerns over supply interruptions and potential attacks on strategic maritime routes like the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Market analysts note that the risk of further escalation is increasingly factored into prices, with little optimism for an imminent diplomatic resolution.
Despite heavy bombardment, Iran continues missile and drone attacks, with regional fighting persisting. The Revolutionary Guards Navy Commander Alireza Tangsiri was confirmed dead, one among several senior officials killed since the conflict began. Kuwait reported the death of an Indian national in an Iranian strike on a power and desalination plant, though Iran denied responsibility.
In Israel, intercepted missile debris caused damage to an industrial building and a fuel tank near a naval base in Haifa, with Hezbollah claiming responsibility for the attack. Israel has also indicated plans to create a buffer zone in southern Lebanon, raising concerns about further displacement and regional instability.
Human rights group HRANA estimates thousands have died in Iran since the war started, while official and independent sources report heavy casualties among civilians and combatants throughout the region. The conflict continues to escalate, with no immediate prospects for de-escalation.
