Israel carried out fresh strikes across Iran on Thursday, just hours after former U.S. President Donald Trump claimed Tehran was open to a deal to end the nearly four-week conflict—despite firm denials from Iranian officials.
The war, which began in late February, has rapidly expanded across the Middle East, rattling global energy markets and raising fears of wider economic fallout. Iranian cities, including Isfahan, were hit in what Israel described as a large-scale operation targeting key infrastructure.
In response, Iran launched missiles toward central Israel, triggering air raid sirens in cities like Tel Aviv and parts of Jerusalem—the first such attack in over 14 hours.
While Trump suggested negotiations were quietly ongoing, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi dismissed the claim, insisting the country would only end the war on its own terms and without external pressure.
Diplomatic efforts appear stalled. A reported U.S. peace proposal, relayed through Pakistan, was rejected by Tehran, which instead outlined its own conditions—including guarantees against future attacks and compensation for damages.
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Meanwhile, the conflict is spreading beyond the two countries. Iran has threatened key global oil routes, including the Strait of Hormuz, while missile and drone attacks have been reported in Gulf states such as Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Kuwait.
Tensions have also intensified in Lebanon, where Hezbollah continues rocket attacks against Israel, rejecting any negotiations it views as surrender.
Despite calls from global leaders, including UN Secretary-General António Guterres, for an immediate ceasefire, fighting shows little sign of slowing.
With rising oil prices, disrupted trade routes, and increasing military involvement across the region, the conflict is now seen as a major threat not just to regional stability, but to the global economy as well.
