No Negotiations Ongoing’ — Iran Slams Trump’s Talks Claim Amid Fresh Missile Strikes

According to Ireporter Online, Iran’s ambassador to Pakistan, Reza Amiri Moghadam, on Wednesday rejected claims of ongoing negotiations between Tehran and Washington, contradicting statements by US President Donald Trump suggesting progress toward resolving the conflict.

“We have heard such reports in the media, but according to my information, no direct or indirect talks have taken place so far,” the envoy said. He emphasized that while friendly nations occasionally attempt to mediate, there has been no concrete engagement between the two sides, describing current hostilities as “illegitimate aggression.”

Iran’s military echoed this position, dismissing Washington’s assertions of diplomacy. Ebrahim Zolfaqari, spokesperson for the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, stated that the United States was effectively “negotiating with itself,” according to state media. He warned that regional stability remained contingent on Iran’s military posture, stressing that pre-war economic conditions would not return unless Washington changed its approach.

Amid the diplomatic tensions, fighting intensified across the Middle East, with Iran launching a fresh wave of missile and drone strikes early Wednesday. According to the Revolutionary Guards, the attacks targeted Israel as well as locations hosting US forces in Kuwait, Jordan, and Bahrain. Air raid sirens were reported across central Israel, with missile trails visible over Netanya. In Kuwait, a drone strike hit a fuel tank at the international airport, sparking a fire, while Jordan reported falling debris near Amman. Bahrain activated its air defense systems in response.

The conflict, which began on February 28 following coordinated strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran, has since destabilized the region. Gulf nations, previously considered relatively secure, are now facing heightened security risks, affecting tourism and aviation sectors. Violence has also spread into Lebanon, where Israeli operations against Iran-backed Hezbollah have intensified. Authorities report over 1,000 fatalities and more than a million displaced amid destruction in Beirut’s southern suburbs.

Despite Tehran’s denials, Trump insisted that negotiations were underway. “We are in negotiations right now,” he claimed, alleging that Iran had offered a “very big present” linked to the strategic Strait of Hormuz, though no details were provided. There has been no official confirmation from Iranian authorities, although reports suggest possible backchannel diplomacy involving intermediaries such as Pakistan.

Meanwhile, the United States is reportedly preparing for further escalation, including plans to deploy additional troops to the region. The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical flashpoint given its role in global oil supply. Iran has assured, via the International Maritime Organization, that “non-hostile vessels” would be allowed safe passage, but warned that ships linked to “aggressor parties,” namely the US and Israel, could be denied access.

The conflict has already disrupted global markets, prompting countries to reduce energy consumption and airlines to reroute or cancel flights. Jean-Marie Paugam, a senior World Trade Organization official, warned that supply disruptions, particularly in fertilizers, could have long-term consequences on global food production, affecting both output and prices in future harvests.

Despite tentative diplomatic signals, the sharp divide between Tehran and Washington, alongside escalating military actions, continues to fuel uncertainty across the Middle East and the global economy.