President Trump Extends Ultimatum to Iran Amidst Ongoing Discussions
President Donald Trump once again extended the ultimatum he had set for Tehran, stating that discussions were going “very well” despite apparent distrust from the Islamic Republic regarding his plan to end the war.
For nearly four weeks of a war engulfing the Middle East and causing oil prices to skyrocket, Iran remains unbowed while Washington appears to be seeking a diplomatic way out.
In Israel, the opposition has signaled the end of political consensus on the conduct of the war, with leader Ya’ir Lapid denouncing a war “on multiple fronts without strategy” and with “far too few soldiers.”
The country, which launched the offensive against Iran instead of the United States on February 28, is also carrying out airstrikes and ground operations in neighboring Lebanon against the Hezbollah movement, an ally of Tehran. Explosions were heard Friday morning in southern Beirut, as reported by AFP.
Israeli Defense Forces spokesperson Effie Defrin admitted Thursday night that the army needed “additional forces.”
Efforts have been made by the U.S. this week to silence the weapons through extensive diplomatic measures.
Iran was presented with a 15-point proposal via Pakistan by Washington recently.
While Tehran hesitates to use the term “discussion” at this stage, an anonymous source cited by Tasnim news agency revealed on Thursday that Iran had officially conveyed a response to the American plan “through intermediaries.” Conditions have been set for a ceasefire, and Iran now awaits a response from the other party.
In the meantime, the United States has welcomed the passage of several tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global trade route for oil and liquefied natural gas that has been effectively blocked by Iran for weeks.
“Ten ships” have been allowed to pass by Iran, according to Donald Trump, who views this gesture as evidence that his administration is “negotiating with the right people” in Iran.
Countries in the Gulf region, where American energy infrastructure and interests are frequent targets, have expressed a desire to be involved in the negotiation process to enhance their security and stability.
Israel, remaining quiet on these discussions, continues its military operations and assassinations of top Iranian officials.
Most recently, the chief of the Revolutionary Guard’s Navy, Alireza Tangsiri, was targeted, described by Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz as “directly responsible for mining and blocking the Strait of Hormuz.”
Tehran has not confirmed this information.
Israel has also faced attacks, with a man killed Thursday in northern Israel following gunfire from neighboring Lebanon.
The Israeli army is “advancing a little more each day, but slowly” in the border region between the two countries, as reported by a military source on the ground to AFP.
According to official sources in Lebanon, Israeli airstrikes have caused a thousand deaths and displaced a million people.
