Iran’s ambassador to Pakistan, Reza Amiri Moghadam, said Wednesday that there have been no negotiations between Tehran and Washington, contradicting claims by Donald Trump that talks were underway to ease tensions.
The envoy noted that while such reports have circulated in the media, he has no knowledge of any direct or indirect discussions, adding that it is common for friendly nations to try to mediate in conflicts he described as “illegitimate aggression.”
Separately, Iran’s military also rejected US claims of diplomacy. Ebrahim Zolfaqari, spokesperson for the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, said the United States was essentially “negotiating with itself,” according to state media.
He warned that stability in the region would depend on Iran’s military stance and suggested that economic conditions would not return to pre-war levels unless US policies changed.
Meanwhile, fighting intensified across the region. Iran launched another wave of missiles and drones early Wednesday, targeting Israel and sites hosting US forces in Kuwait, Jordan, and Bahrain, according to the Revolutionary Guards.
Air raid sirens were heard across central Israel, with missile trails visible over the coastal city of Netanya. In Kuwait, a drone strike hit a fuel tank at the international airport, causing a fire, while Jordan reported debris falling near Amman, and Bahrain activated air defense systems.
The conflict, which began on February 28 with coordinated US and Israeli strikes on Iran, has since spread throughout the Middle East, disrupting energy markets and aviation routes. Gulf countries once considered relatively stable are increasingly under threat, affecting tourism and air travel.
The violence has also escalated in Lebanon, where Israeli operations against Hezbollah have intensified. Strikes in Beirut’s southern suburbs and other areas have caused significant destruction, with authorities reporting more than 1,000 deaths and over a million people displaced.
Despite ongoing hostilities, Trump indicated renewed interest in diplomacy, claiming the US was “in negotiations” with Iran. He also said Tehran had offered a “very big present” related to the Strait of Hormuz, though he did not provide details.
Iran has not confirmed any such talks, though reports suggest possible backchannel efforts involving intermediaries, including Pakistan. At the same time, the US is reportedly preparing for further escalation, with plans to deploy additional troops.
The Strait of Hormuz remains a major point of concern globally. Iran has told the International Maritime Organization that “non-hostile” ships can pass safely, but warned vessels linked to the US or Israel could be blocked.
The disruption has already impacted the global economy, pushing up energy prices and forcing airlines to reroute or cancel flights, though recent signs of possible diplomacy have helped stabilize markets somewhat.
Economic risks remain significant. Jean-Marie Paugam of the World Trade Organization warned that supply disruptions, particularly in fertilizers, could have long-term effects on global food production by reducing output and increasing prices in future harvests.
