Day 25: War Rages On As U.S.–Iran Talks Remain Uncertain

The conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran has entered its 25th day, with mixed signals over possible diplomacy even as fighting continues to escalate.

An Iranian source told CNN that Washington has made recent “outreach” to Tehran, adding that Iran is open to considering “suitable” proposals that could bring the war to an end. However, no formal negotiations are currently underway.

The comments mark a shift in tone, coming just a day after Iran’s Foreign Ministry firmly denied any talks with Washington. The denial directly contradicts claims by Donald Trump, who said the two sides had reached “major points of agreement” during discussions over the weekend.

Conflicting Claims and Rising Tensions

Iranian officials have dismissed Trump’s claims as misleading, suggesting they were aimed at stabilizing global energy markets and buying time for potential military action. A senior adviser to Iran’s leadership warned that the war would continue until the country receives full compensation for damages suffered.

Meanwhile, Trump has temporarily stepped back from a previous threat to strike Iran’s power grid. The U.S. president had issued a 48-hour ultimatum tied to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz but later announced a five-day pause, citing progress in talks, though no details have been disclosed.

Escalation on the Ground

Despite talk of diplomacy, hostilities remain intense. Iran launched multiple waves of missile attacks on Israeli cities overnight, including strikes near Tel Aviv and Dimona. Israeli authorities reported widespread damage, with emergency sirens sounding across affected areas.

In response, Israel has continued its military campaign, including strikes targeting key facilities linked to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in Tehran.

Violence has also surged in the occupied West Bank, where Israeli forces are redeploying troops amid a spike in settler attacks on Palestinians. Rights groups report a sharp increase in daily incidents since the start of March.

Markets React to Uncertainty

Global markets have been highly volatile amid the conflicting narratives. Oil prices initially dropped following Trump’s announcement of potential talks but rebounded sharply after Iran denied any negotiations. Prices have now climbed above $100 per barrel, reflecting ongoing uncertainty.

Stock markets have also fluctuated, with analysts raising concerns about the timing of political statements and their apparent impact on trading activity.

Diplomatic Push Continues

Efforts to de-escalate the conflict are ongoing. Pakistan has offered to host talks involving the U.S., Iran, and Israel, while Turkey has engaged in intensive diplomatic outreach with regional and global partners.

The European Commission has also called for an immediate return to negotiations, urging all sides to end hostilities and pursue a political resolution.

However, an Israeli official cautioned that a deal does not appear imminent. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reiterated that military operations will continue, even as discussions around a possible agreement persist.