US President Donald Trump said the United States is engaged in ongoing talks with Iran in what he described as a "friendly atmosphere" and expressed hope for a positive outcome. However, he also said the United States would carry out further airstrikes against Iran if the negotiations failed.
Trump made the remarks aboard Air Force One while speaking to reporters, stating that Washington is currently prioritising a diplomatic solution but that all options remain available. He indicated that the United States intends to continue negotiations while maintaining military pressure.
Following nearly two weeks of sustained hostilities, there has been no confirmed direct military attack between the United States and Iran over the past three days. According to Trump, the United States suspended military action at the request of intermediary countries to allow another opportunity for negotiations. Iran has also not carried out retaliatory attacks during this period, resulting in a temporary reduction in tensions.
Experts cited in the source said the current calm remains fragile and that even a minor development could lead to renewed escalation.
While Trump has repeatedly stated that talks are underway, Iran's Foreign Ministry has rejected those claims. The ministry said there are currently no formal negotiations taking place with the United States and that Iran has not initiated any such process.
The differing public positions have created uncertainty within the international community. Analysts cited in the source said informal contacts or communication through intermediary countries may be continuing, but that official negotiations have not yet begun.
Amid the tensions, Iranian media claimed that the Khor Mor gas field in northern Iraq had come under attack. Iranian media also claimed that several suspected drones were brought down in the Erbil region and that a US drone was shot down in western Iraq.
According to local reports cited in the source, drone activity was observed in the Erbil, Soran and Khalifan areas. Reports also indicated fires in some locations and increased activity by US military aircraft. However, none of these claims has been independently verified.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said before departing for the United States that Iran would be the principal issue during his meeting with President Trump. The two leaders are expected to discuss regional security, Iran's nuclear programme and future strategy.
Political analysts cited in the source said Israel's concerns regarding potential US-Iran negotiations are also expected to feature prominently in the discussions.
The Strait of Hormuz remains a key point of contention between the United States and Iran. A significant share of the world's crude oil passes through the waterway. The United States seeks to ensure uninterrupted international shipping through the route, while Iran regards it as a strategic asset.
Experts cited in the source said any escalation affecting the Strait of Hormuz or the Bab al-Mandeb Strait could disrupt global trade and supply chains and have a direct impact on international energy markets.
The pause in direct military action between the United States and Iran has contributed to a decline in international crude oil prices in recent days. Investors are hoping that progress in negotiations could help restore stability to energy markets.
Market experts cited in the source said the situation remains uncertain and warned that any breakdown in negotiations or renewed military confrontation could trigger another sharp rise in oil prices.
According to the source, a lack of mutual trust remains the principal challenge to any potential agreement between the two countries. Recent military strikes have further deepened existing mistrust.
The United States seeks to ensure regional security and the stability of maritime routes, while Iran aims to protect its strategic interests and regional influence. Analysts cited in the source said that even if formal negotiations begin, multiple rounds of talks and international mediation are likely to be required.
Separately, reports said two additional individuals linked to January protests in Iran have been executed. The United Nations had previously called for fair trials and urged a halt to the executions. Human rights organisations said transparent judicial procedures should be followed in such cases, while the Iranian authorities defended their decision.
The United States and Iran continue to present differing public positions regarding negotiations. Trump has maintained that talks are progressing, while Iran continues to deny that any official negotiations are taking place.
According to the source, the outcome of the upcoming meeting between Trump and Netanyahu, the role of intermediary countries and developments in regional security are expected to influence whether tensions ease or military confrontation resumes. The source adds that successful diplomatic efforts could contribute to regional stability, while failure of negotiations could increase the likelihood of renewed US military action with implications for global security and energy markets.
