US President Donald Trump has stated that Washington is engaged in negotiations with Iran’s parliamentary speaker, Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, a claim that has been refuted by Iranian officials. The remarks come amid heightened regional tensions, including reported attacks on oil tankers and ongoing conflicts involving Iran-backed groups.
US President Alleges Talks with Iranian Speaker
US President Donald Trump indicated in an interview with the New York Post that the United States is in communication with Iran’s parliamentary speaker, Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, regarding a potential deal to end the conflict with Tehran. Trump also issued a threat, stating that widespread destruction of Iran’s vital infrastructure, including energy resources and desalination plants, would occur if a resolution is not reached soon.
Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, a former commander in the Revolutionary Guard, has previously been identified by Washington as a potential negotiating partner. However, Qalibaf has denied that Iran is engaged in talks with the US, suggesting that discussions facilitated by Pakistan are merely a cover for American troop deployments.
Regional Conflicts Intensify
The situation in the Middle East is further complicated by escalating conflicts. Israel has launched an operation in southern Lebanon aimed at removing Iran-backed Hezbollah militants, who have been conducting cross-border attacks with rockets and drones. Israeli officials have suggested this campaign could lead to a prolonged occupation. The conflict has resulted in casualties among UN peacekeepers, with three members of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) killed in southern Lebanon within a 24-hour period in separate incidents. The responsibility for these deaths is currently under review by the Israeli army, which is examining whether they were caused by Hezbollah activity or Israeli fire in an active combat zone.
Further unrest was reported in Dubai waters, where a drone attack struck a Kuwaiti oil tanker, causing 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, occurring approximately 31 nautical miles northwest of Dubai. An unknown projectile hit the tanker’s starboard side, initiating a fire, though no environmental impact has been reported.
In Saudi Arabia, the Ministry of Defence announced the downing of three ballistic missiles launched towards its capital, Riyadh. Additionally, in Dubai, debris from an air defense interception following an incident led to a fire in an abandoned house in the Al Badaa residential area, injuring four people.
Gulf Allies Urge Continued US Military Pressure on Iran
According to US, Gulf, and Israeli officials, key US allies in the Gulf region are privately advocating for the United States to maintain its military campaign against Iran until Tehran is decisively defeated. These allies reportedly believe that Iran has not been sufficiently weakened by the ongoing 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 significant changes in Iranian leadership or a substantial shift in Iran’s behavior. These individuals were not authorized to comment publicly and spoke on the condition of anonymity. While regional leaders broadly support current US actions, sources indicate some divisions, with Saudi Arabia and the UAE reportedly leading calls for increased military pressure on Tehran. The UAE has been particularly hawkish, with a diplomat suggesting it is pushing for a ground invasion by US forces.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
