ALBAWABA- US President Donald Trump declared on Monday that Iran “no longer poses a threat” to the United States, saying military operations would end once he considers Tehran’s capabilities fully neutralized, even as he simultaneously claimed diplomatic talks were advancing.
Trump’s remarks follow weeks of US and Israeli strikes that began on February 28 with the reported assassination of Ali Khamenei and attacks on Iranian nuclear and military facilities. The conflict has killed more than 2,000 people and disrupted global energy flows through the Strait of Hormuz.
Despite declaring Iran effectively neutralised, Trump said “very strong” and “productive” discussions were underway, citing “major points of agreement” and announcing a five-day pause on threatened strikes against Iranian power plants.
He added that envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff were engaged with Iranian counterparts, claiming Tehran “wants very much to make a deal.”
The White House narrative was swiftly rejected by Iranian officials. Tehran’s Foreign Ministry and Parliament Speaker Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf denied any negotiations, direct or indirect, insisting that “no contact” had taken place and dismissing Trump’s claims as unfounded.
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu escalated rhetoric, warning that Iranian missile capabilities could now extend “deep into Europe” and vowing to continue strikes “on all fronts” following new attacks on Israeli towns, including Arad and Dimona.
Regional mediation efforts have intensified, with Pakistan emerging as a key intermediary alongside Turkey and Egypt. Pakistani Army Chief Asim Munir and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have reportedly held contacts with both Washington and Tehran in recent days, seeking to broker a ceasefire.
Trump’s dual assertions, that Iran has been neutralised while also pursuing a deal, underscore growing contradictions in US messaging as the conflict continues with no immediate resolution in sight.
