Iran has rejected claims by the United States that negotiations have taken place since the start of the ongoing conflict, contradicting statements made by former US President Donald Trump.
Iranian officials said no discussions or diplomatic engagement with Washington have occurred, dismissing Trump’s assertion that the two sides had held “very good and productive conversations” aimed at resolving hostilities in the Middle East.
The denial comes amid rising tensions as Iran’s National Defence Council issued a stark warning that any attack on its coastline or islands would result in all communication routes in the Persian Gulf being mined. The warning coincides with the expiration of a deadline set by Washington for Tehran to reopen the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
Meanwhile, Israeli forces have destroyed the Qasimiyah Bridge over the Litani River, a key crossing point in southern Lebanon. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun described the strike as a possible “prelude to a ground invasion,” raising fears of further escalation.
The situation across the region remains volatile, with casualty figures continuing to rise as the conflict unfolds.
