US President Donald Trump claimed on Tuesday that negotiations with Iran to end the Middle East conflict are underway “right now,” even as fresh strikes continued between Tehran and Israel. Trump stated that Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are involved. He also hinted that Iran offered a “very big present” related to oil and gas, without providing details.
The conflict, which began on February 28 after US-Israeli attacks that killed Iran’s supreme leader, has escalated, affecting global energy markets. Israel conducted a “large wave” of airstrikes, while Iranian attacks injured seven people, including an infant. Reports indicate thousands of additional US troops are being deployed to the region.
While Trump emphasized diplomacy, Tehran has not confirmed negotiations, with parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf denying talks and accusing the US of manipulating markets. Iran acknowledged messages from “friendly countries” requesting negotiations.
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif offered Islamabad as a potential host for US-Iran talks, and media reports suggest Witkoff and Kushner could meet Iranian officials in Pakistan this week, with Vance possibly joining. Analysts have also mentioned Egypt and Turkey as potential mediators.
