Trump rules out diplomatic talks with Tehran as regional tensions escalate

United States President Donald Trump reaffirmed that Washington has no diplomatic talks scheduled with Iran, maintaining that Tehran must never acquire nuclear weapons. Trump warned that American forces could escalate militarily if Iranian or Omani personnel interfere with U.S. operations in the Strait of Hormuz, where a vessel was recently struck.

In response, Iranian authorities declared that the country would adopt an offensive defense strategy should diplomatic avenues with the United States prove unsuccessful.

Simultaneously, Middle Eastern ceasefire efforts remain deadlocked. While Hamas indicated acceptance of a proposed second phase of a peace plan, Israeli officials reiterated their refusal to pull troops out of Gaza until Hamas undergoes full disarmament.

Sources: CDM.