Trump Confirms Iran Talks Persist Despite Ceasefire End

U.S. President Donald Trump announced that diplomatic discussions between the U.S. and Iran will carry on, contradicting the ceasefire established last month which is now declared null.

In a statement on his Truth Social platform, Trump noted that Iran has expressed a desire to continue negotiations, which the U.S. is open to despite officially terminating the ceasefire. He emphasized, "The Islamic Republic of Iran has asked us to continue 'talks.' We have agreed to do so, but the United States has stated to them, in no uncertain terms, that the Cease Fire is OVER!"

Iran, however, disputed Trump's characterization, asserting through state television that it had not sought direct discussions with the U.S., but rather was willing to work with a Qatari mediator.

Temporary Calm Amid Heightened Tensions

Trump's comments followed a series of escalating conflicts in the Gulf, where three commercial tankers from Qatar and Saudi Arabia faced attacks. In retaliation, the U.S. targeted Iranian sites while Iran hit U.S. military bases in the Gulf.

On Friday, no new assaults were reported, offering a short respite as mediators aimed to de-escalate tensions. Ongoing diplomatic initiatives seek a resolution to the hostilities that ignited on February 28 during U.S.-Israeli airstrikes on Iran.

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According to a source familiar with the talks, Qatari negotiators met with Iranian officials to address the rising tensions as well as issues surrounding the Strait of Hormuz.

Trump Issues Stark Warning

Trump also conveyed a fierce warning to Iran, claiming he has directed the U.S. military to be ready for action if an assassination attempt were to be made against him.

In another post on Truth Social, Trump asserted, "1000 Missiles are Locked and Loaded and aimed at the Islamic Republic of Iran, with thousands of more to immediately follow, should the Iranian Government act on its threat, pronounced in many corners of the Globe, to assassinate, or attempt to assassinate, the sitting President of the United States of America, in this case, ME!"

He further claimed orders had been issued to the military, indicating readiness to "completely decimate and destroy all areas of Iran" if necessary.

Earlier in the week, U.S. media reported that Israel shared intelligence suggesting Iran harbors plans to assassinate Trump.

Anti-Trump Sentiments at Funeral

During the funeral for Iran’s deceased Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, large crowds gathered, with some attendees brandishing banners proclaiming, "We Will Kill Trump."

Khamenei was eliminated in an airstrike on the first day of hostilities.

Focus on the Strait of Hormuz

Ongoing diplomatic efforts remain concentrated on the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi is anticipated to visit Oman to discuss safe passage arrangements for vessels through this crucial waterway, according to the semi-official ISNA news agency.

Senior U.S. officials are pressuring Iran to publicly commit to ceasing ship attacks in the Strait of Hormuz and to ensure that all shipping lanes remain toll-free.

Prior to the conflict, one-fifth of the world’s oil supply traversed the Strait; since then, Iran has largely controlled the region amidst ongoing standoffs with the U.S.

U.S. Airstrikes Lead to Casualties

Iran's Health Ministry reported that U.S. airstrikes across six cities resulted in at least 17 fatalities and 115 injuries on Wednesday and Thursday.

Despite the military back-and-forth, U.S. officials conveyed that recent conversations with Tehran had been positive.

Iran's foreign ministry indicated that any breaches of agreement by the United States would be met with a "reciprocal action," per state media reports.

Spike in Oil Prices Amid Ongoing Conflict

An interim agreement set last month aimed at steering both parties towards a resolution has now encountered renewed hostilities, extending the conflict into its fifth month.

The resurgence of fighting has upset energy markets and raised global economic anxiety. After witnessing price declines, crude oil registered its largest weekly rise in eight weeks, posing challenges for U.S. consumers leading into November’s congressional elections.