Iran war in 10 points: Trump’s threat, Tehran’s denial, Khamenei’s warning
Trump warns of a return to "strong military action" against Iran if talks fail, as Tehran denies any negotiations are underway.
Iran's Supreme Leader Khamenei has told Hezbollah there is "no path forward except jihad and resistance.
The agreement follows more than three months of conflict and several rounds of diplomacy involving regional intermediaries (AI-generated image)
The US and Iran are sending conflicting signals over the state of diplomacy, even as a pause in strikes holds for a third day. Trump says talks are “friendly,” Tehran says none exist, and Iran’s Supreme Leader has issued his starkest message yet to Hezbollah.
Here are 10 key points on where things stand.
Trump warns of a return to military action
Trump told Axios, “If they don’t work out, we will go back to very strong military action,” referring to talks with Iran. He added that the window for diplomacy was short, saying it would either move quickly or not happen at all.
Trump shares AI-generated images of attacks on Iranian facilities. (Photo: @realDonaldTrump)
Iran denies any negotiations are underway
Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei said Tehran is not currently engaged in any negotiations with the US, and is only receiving messages through mediators.
Khamenei tells Hezbollah there is ‘no path forward except jihad’
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei told Hezbollah, “There remains no path forward except jihad and resistance,” tying any US ceasefire to a full halt of Israeli operations in Lebanon.
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A demonstrator holds a picture of Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei during a gathering after announcement of a two-week ceasefire with the United States and Israel, in Tehran, Iran. (AP Photo)
Netanyahu arrives in Washington
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has arrived in Washington to meet Trump, with the Iran war expected to top their agenda.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel (left), and US President Donald Trump (right). (File Photos)
Oman and Iran are nearing a technical agreement on managing the Strait of Hormuz, though Tehran’s demand for a transit toll on passing ships remains unresolved.
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Iran threatens Ukraine over Caspian Sea attack
Iran escalated threats against Ukraine after a Ukrainian strike on an Iranian vessel in the Caspian Sea killed one person and injured three; Iranian FM Abbas Araghchi said the incident “cannot go unanswered.”
Iran Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. (AP File Photo)
UN flags possible war crimes in Lebanon
UN human rights chief Volker Turk said his office has documented Israeli violations of international law in Lebanon, some of which may amount to war crimes.
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The agreement follows more than three months of conflict and several rounds of diplomacy involving regional intermediaries (AI-generated image) 
