President Donald Trump cast doubt on the possibility of a negotiated settlement with Iran, saying it is up to Tehran’s leaders to convince him to halt the war. “I don’t care about making a deal,” Trump said, adding that the United States has “additional targets to hit before we leave.”
Iranian officials, however, accused Washington of lacking genuine interest in talks. State media reported that Tehran has “complete doubt” about U.S. willingness to negotiate, despite Trump’s claim that Iran initiated efforts to restart dialogue.
Meanwhile, Israel announced it had killed the commander of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps navy, a key figure behind the near-total blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. The death marks a significant blow to Iran’s military leadership, though analysts warn it may further inflame tensions in the region.
Oil prices rose again on investor concerns that the conflict will not end quickly, with markets reacting to fears of prolonged instability in the Gulf.
Iranian military leaders also issued warnings about potential U.S. operations targeting Kharg Island, a strategic hub for the country’s oil exports. One commander cautioned that any ground assault would be “dangerous and costly for the enemy.” Experts note that even if U.S. forces seized the island, it remains unclear whether such a move would compel Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
