WASHINGTON — US President Donald Trump confirmed Wednesday that negotiations with Iran are ongoing via telephone, even as the Pentagon defended the military campaign against accusations of becoming a quagmire. The development comes amid a fragile truce and continued regional violence, including Israeli strikes in Lebanon.
Trump: Talks Proceed by Phone
President Trump stated that discussions with Iranian officials are being conducted by phone, following the cancellation of a planned trip for US negotiators to travel to Pakistan for face-to-face meetings over the weekend. The announcement signals a continued, albeit indirect, channel of communication between the two nations.
Iran: ‘War Is Not a Solution’
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh emphasized that war cannot resolve the ongoing conflict. “War is not a solution. It is part of the problem,” Khatibzadeh said, adding that Tehran has submitted proposals to end hostilities based on “equal terms and conditions.” Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf accused the US naval blockade of aiming to create “internal division” and force Iran to “collapse from within.”
Pentagon Defends Campaign
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth vigorously defended the Iran war before Congress, rejecting characterizations of the conflict as a quagmire. “You call it a quagmire, handing propaganda to our enemies? Shame on you for that statement,” Hegseth told the House Armed Services Committee, targeting Democratic lawmakers he labeled “reckless, feckless, and defeatist.” Hegseth also confirmed that the deadly strike on an Iranian girls’ school, which reportedly killed around 170 people, remains under investigation, though he declined to estimate financial costs.
Regional Escalation: Israel Strikes Lebanon
Despite a ceasefire agreement, Israel’s military announced it conducted 20 overnight attacks on southern Lebanon, targeting what it described as Hezbollah “command centers and military structures.” The Israeli military stated it would continue to “operate to remove threats” in the region.
Global Diplomacy: Putin and Trump Discuss Crisis
Russian President Vladimir Putin and President Trump held a 90-minute phone call, during which they discussed the Iran situation and the war in Ukraine. Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov said Putin backed Trump’s decision to extend the ceasefire with Iran, calling it “the right one” to give negotiations a chance. However, Putin also warned of “extremely damaging consequences” if the US and Israel resume military action.
Blockade Remains Until Nuclear Deal
President Trump told Axios that the US will maintain its naval blockade on Iran until Tehran agrees to a nuclear deal addressing American concerns. The stance was rejected by Iran’s parliament speaker, who framed the blockade as a tool for economic pressure and internal division.
- Iran officials left Canada before the FIFA Congress, citing an “insult” at Toronto airport immigration.
- Hundreds of schools and education facilities in Iran were reportedly damaged or destroyed during US-Israeli strikes.
