Trump Confirms US-Iran Talks Resume but Declares Ceasefire Over Amid Rising Tensions

US President Donald Trump announced on Friday that the United States has agreed to continue negotiations with Iran at Tehran's request, but emphasized that the ceasefire between the two countries has ended. Posting on social media, Trump stated, "The Islamic Republic of Iran asked us to continue 'talks.' We agreed to do so, but the United States made it clear to them that the ceasefire is over." This statement comes amid ongoing escalation between the US and Iran.

Earlier, Iranian official Mohammad-Baqer Zolqadr threatened Israel for the first time since the current tensions began, warning that any attack on Iranian infrastructure would be met with a similar response and that the "Zionist regime" would not be immune. This threat follows a recent wave of US airstrikes targeting approximately 170 Iranian sites, including the nuclear facility in Bushehr and locations in Kerman, Bandar Abbas, and Kermanshah. The US military said the strikes focused on air defense systems, missile storage, coastal monitoring, and logistical infrastructure.

Iran retaliated by firing missiles at neighboring Arab countries and launched eight missiles toward Jordan, aiming at a US base there; Jordanian forces intercepted all missiles. Overnight explosions were reported in southern Iran's Bushehr province, though US officials denied involvement, and local authorities are investigating the cause.

Despite the heightened conflict, Qatari envoys recently visited Iran to attempt de-escalation and facilitate continued US-Iran talks, reportedly coordinated with Washington. Meanwhile, the Wall Street Journal reported that Israel shared intelligence with the US about a new Iranian assassination plot, linked to Tehran's vow to avenge the killing of General Qassem Soleimani in January 2020.

During a recent visit to Ankara, Turkey, Trump openly acknowledged that Iran has targeted him personally, stating, "They want to kill the leader of the US, me. I am on every list. I saw this morning that I am on every one of their lists. So far, I guess I've been a bit lucky, but maybe that won't last much longer."