Israel and Iran exchanged airstrikes on Wednesday as Tehran once again denied President Donald Trump’s assertions that the United States is conducting negotiations to end the war that has convulsed energy and financial markets. Tehran countered by stating the U.S. is "negotiating with itself."
اضافة اعلان
The rejection of talks by the Unified Command of the Iranian Armed Forces, dominated by the Revolutionary Guard (IRGC), comes amid reports suggesting the U.S. has dispatched a 15-point plan to Tehran for deliberation.
"Has your internal conflict reached a stage where you are negotiating with yourselves?" said Ibrahim Zolfaghari, spokesperson for the Joint Command of the Iranian Armed Forces, in televised remarks. He added, "People like us can never align with people like you... as we always say... no one like us will strike a deal with you. Not now, and not ever."
The Iranian leadership previously stated it cannot negotiate with the U.S., which has launched attacks on the country twice during high-level negotiations over the past two years.
Escalation Amid a Global Energy Crisis
Mutual airstrikes between Iran and Israel continued today into the fourth week of a war that has triggered the worst energy crisis in history and ignited global inflationary fears.
The Israeli military (IDF) stated on Telegram that it launched a wave of attacks targeting infrastructure across Tehran. Meanwhile, Iran's semi-official Student News Network reported that the strikes hit a residential area, where rescuers have begun search operations among the rubble.
On Tuesday, Trump told reporters at the White House that the U.S. is in "negotiations" with the "right people" in Iran to end hostilities, adding that the Iranians are desperate for a deal. Consequently, stocks rose and oil prices dipped on Wednesday following reports that Washington is seeking a one-month ceasefire to discuss its 15-point plan, bolstering hopes for the resumption of Gulf oil exports.
The 15-Point Plan
The New York Times reported Tuesday that Washington sent a 15-point proposal to Tehran to end the Middle East war. Israeli Channel 12, citing three sources, noted that the U.S. is pushing for a month-long truce to facilitate discussions. According to Israeli media, the plan includes:
Dismantling Iran's nuclear program.
Ceasing support for allied groups, such as Hezbollah in Lebanon.
Reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
Background of the Conflict
The U.S. and Israel began strikes on Iran on February 28, citing a lack of progress in nuclear talks—contradicting Oman's role as a mediator reporting significant breakthroughs. Previously, the U.S. had targeted Iranian nuclear facilities in June 2025.
Since the war's onset in late February, Iran has struck regional energy infrastructure and effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, through which one-fifth of the world’s oil and LNG passes. A memo seen by Reuters on Tuesday indicated that Iran informed the UN Security Council and the IMO that "non-hostile vessels" may transit the strait provided they coordinate with Iranian authorities.
Global Impact
Asia remains on the front line of the fuel crisis, as it consumes over 80% of the crude passing through Hormuz. Governments across the continent are struggling with shortages, implementing "work from home" policies and stimulus measures reminiscent of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The International Energy Agency (IEA) has agreed to release an unprecedented 400 million barrels of oil from strategic reserves. Furthermore, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi requested additional coordinated releases during a meeting with IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol on Wednesday.
Diplomatic Overtures and Military Reinforcements
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif offered on Tuesday to host talks between Washington and Tehran. This followed Trump’s decision to delay threats to bomb Iranian power plants after what he described as "constructive" talks.
Despite the diplomatic reports, sources told Reuters that the Pentagon is expected to deploy thousands of troops from the elite 82nd Airborne Division to the Middle East. These forces will join 50,000 U.S. troops already in the region, fueling fears of a prolonged conflict.
Reuters
