US President Donald Trump has claimed that Washington is engaged in negotiations with Iran’s parliamentary speaker, Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf. However, Qalibaf has denied any ongoing talks with the United States, suggesting that any discussions facilitated by Pakistan were merely a cover for American troop deployments.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that Trump made these assertions in an interview with the New York Post, published on Monday. He also issued a threat of widespread destruction to Iran’s vital infrastructure, including energy resources and desalination plants, if a resolution to the conflict with Tehran is not reached “shortly.” Qalibaf, a former Revolutionary Guard commander, had previously been suggested as a potential negotiating partner for Washington.
Regional Tensions Escalate Amidst Diplomatic Uncertainty
The situation remains tense as Israel has initiated an invasion of southern Lebanon with the stated objective of expelling Iran-backed Hezbollah militants. Hezbollah has been launching rockets and drones across the border, leading Israeli officials to suggest the campaign could evolve into a prolonged occupation. The conflict has resulted in the deaths of three UN peacekeepers in southern Lebanon within a 24-hour period, although responsibility for these fatalities remains unclear.
In financial markets, US stocks experienced slight gains in volatile trading on Monday, coinciding with climbing oil prices attributed to the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the duration of the conflict.
Incidents in Dubai and Saudi Arabia
Further complicating the regional picture, a drone attack targeted a Kuwaiti oil tanker in Dubai waters, resulting in a fire. Dubai Media Office confirmed the incident, stating that all 24 crew members were safe and no injuries were reported. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations centre reported the strike occurred approximately 31 nautical miles northwest of Dubai, with an unknown projectile hitting the tanker’s starboard side. No environmental impact has been reported.
In a separate development, four individuals were wounded after debris from an air defense interception caused a fire in an abandoned house in Dubai’s Al Badaa residential area. Authorities in Bahrain also reported that warning sirens were sounded.
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Defence announced on Tuesday that it had downed three ballistic missiles that were launched towards its capital, Riyadh.
Gulf Allies Urge Continued US Military Pressure on Iran
According to US, Gulf, and Israeli officials, key Gulf allies of the United States are privately advocating for Washington to persist in its military campaign against Iran until Tehran is decisively defeated. These allies reportedly conveyed that Iran has not been sufficiently weakened by the month-long US-led bombing campaign.
Officials from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Bahrain have communicated in private discussions their desire for the military operation to continue until there are substantial changes in Iranian leadership or a significant alteration in Iran’s behavior. These officials spoke on the condition of anonymity, as they were not authorized to comment publicly.
While regional leaders are largely supportive of the current US efforts, there are indications of divisions within the Gulf cooperation council. Saudi Arabia and the UAE are reportedly leading the push for increased military pressure on Tehran. One Gulf diplomat characterized the UAE as being particularly hawkish, actively urging President Trump to consider a ground invasion.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
