Tehran (TDI): Israel and Iran exchanged airstrikes on Wednesday as Tehran’s military dismissed President Donald Trump’s claim that the United States was negotiating to end the ongoing war, calling it “negotiating with yourself.”
The top spokesperson for Iran’s joint military command, Ebrahim Zolfaqari, told state television, “People like us can never get along with people like you. As we have always said… no one like us will make a deal with you. Not now. Not ever.”
The rejection comes amid reports that Washington sent Tehran a 15-point plan aimed at a potential ceasefire, including dismantling Iran’s nuclear program, halting support for proxy groups such as Hezbollah, and reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
Four weeks into the war, which has already caused thousands of civilian casualties, triggered a global energy crisis, and driven inflation fears worldwide, the violence continued unabated. The Israeli Defense Forces said it struck multiple targets across Tehran, while Iranian media reported retaliatory missile attacks on locations in Israel, including Tel Aviv and Kiryat Shmona, as well as US bases in Kuwait, Jordan, and Bahrain.
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Kuwait and Saudi Arabia also reported repelling drone attacks, with Kuwait confirming a fire at an airport fuel tank but no casualties.
Trump told reporters at the White House on Tuesday that negotiations were underway with “the right people” in Iran, and that Tehran was eager to reach a deal. Financial markets responded, with stocks rising and oil prices falling on hopes of a temporary ceasefire and resumption of Gulf oil exports.
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Since the start of “Operation Epic Fury” in February 2026, the US and Israel have carried out strikes on Iranian targets after nuclear-related negotiations faltered, while Iran has retaliated by targeting Gulf energy infrastructure and effectively controlling access to the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for a fifth of the world’s oil.
Pakistan has offered to host talks between the US and Iran to help mediate the conflict. Meanwhile, the Pentagon plans to deploy thousands more troops from the 82nd Airborne Division to the region, adding to the 50,000 US forces already stationed there and raising concerns of a prolonged confrontation.
