Iran Dismisses Trump’s Negotiation Claims Amid Escalating Airstrikes with Israel
Israel and Iran engaged in a series of airstrikes on Wednesday, intensifying the ongoing conflict between the two nations. This escalation comes as Iran firmly rejected President Donald Trump’s assertion that the United States is in negotiations to resolve the war, claiming that the U.S. is merely negotiating with itself.
The Iranian Armed Forces, primarily influenced by the Revolutionary Guards, dismissed the possibility of negotiations amid reports that the U.S. had sent a 15-point plan to Tehran for consideration. Ebrahim Zolfaqari, the spokesperson for Iran’s joint military command, stated on state television that “people like us can never get along with people like you,” emphasizing that no agreement would be reached with the U.S. “Not now. Not ever.”
Iran’s leadership has previously articulated that negotiations with the U.S. are untenable, citing two attacks on the country during high-level discussions over the past two years.
Continued Airstrikes and Regional Impact
As the conflict enters its fourth week, resulting in thousands of casualties and the most severe energy crisis in history, airstrikes from both Iran and Israel showed no signs of abating. The Israeli Defense Forces announced via Telegram that they had launched a series of strikes targeting critical infrastructure in Tehran. Reports from the semi-official Iranian SNN News Agency indicated that these strikes affected residential areas, prompting rescue operations amidst the rubble.
Kuwait and Saudi Arabia reported successfully repelling drone attacks, although the origins of these assaults remain unspecified. Drones targeted a fuel tank at Kuwait International Airport, causing a fire but no reported injuries, according to Kuwait’s Civil Aviation Authority.
In retaliation, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards declared they had initiated a new wave of attacks on Israeli locations, including Tel Aviv and Kiryat Shmona, as well as U.S. bases in Kuwait, Jordan, and Bahrain.
U.S. Claims of Negotiation Progress
President Trump informed reporters at the White House on Tuesday that the U.S. was engaged in “negotiations” with “the right people” in Iran, suggesting that the Iranians were eager to reach a deal. Following these statements, stock markets rose, and oil prices fell, buoyed by reports that the U.S. was pursuing a month-long ceasefire and had presented a 15-point plan to Iran, which raised hopes for a potential resumption of oil exports from the Persian Gulf.
15-Point Plan for Peace
Reports indicate that Washington has proposed a 15-point plan aimed at ending the conflict in the Middle East. Israeli media, citing multiple sources, noted that the U.S. is seeking a ceasefire to facilitate discussions around this plan. While a source confirmed the existence of the proposal, details remain scarce.
The plan reportedly includes provisions for dismantling Iran’s nuclear program, halting support for proxy groups such as Hezbollah, and reopening the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.
The U.S. and Israel had previously launched strikes against Iran on February 28, citing insufficient progress in negotiations regarding Iran’s nuclear ambitions, despite claims from mediator Oman that significant advancements had been made. The U.S. targeted Iran’s nuclear facilities in June 2025.
Since the initiation of “Operation Epic Fury” in February, Iran has retaliated against countries hosting U.S. military bases and has targeted Gulf energy infrastructure, effectively closing the Strait of Hormuz, a critical passage for a significant portion of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas.
Global Energy Crisis and Regional Responses
The closure of the Strait of Hormuz, through which 20% of the world’s oil and gas typically transits, has triggered an unprecedented energy supply crisis, leading to soaring fuel prices and disruptions in global aviation. Asian nations, which import over 80% of the crude that passes through this waterway, are scrambling to address fuel shortages. Governments are implementing measures reminiscent of the COVID-19 pandemic, including enforced work-from-home policies, public holidays, and school closures.
In response to the crisis, the International Energy Agency has agreed to release approximately 400 million barrels of oil from strategic reserves. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has requested additional oil releases during discussions with IEA chief Fatih Birol.
Pakistan’s Offer for Mediation
In a notable diplomatic move, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed willingness to host talks between the U.S. and Iran aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict. This offer follows Trump’s postponement of threats to bomb Iranian power plants, which he described as a result of “productive” discussions.
Despite these diplomatic overtures, the Pentagon is reportedly preparing to deploy thousands of soldiers from the U.S. Army’s elite 82nd Airborne Division to the Middle East, further contributing to the substantial U.S. military presence in the region. This deployment raises concerns about the potential for an extended conflict, with 50,000 U.S. troops already stationed in the area.
Source: www.arnnewscentre.ae
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Published on 2026-03-25 01:26:00 • By the Editorial Desk
