The President announced on Friday that Iran has requested to continue negotiations following two nights of United States strikes earlier this week.
Earlier in the week, the President stated that Iran is eager to reach a deal and warned that the United States would respond forcefully if Iran retaliated.
A memorandum of understanding signed last month established a 60‑day cease‑fire while both sides pursued a long‑term peace agreement, but the President declared the cease‑fire ended on Wednesday, describing Iran in harsh terms and saying he no longer wishes to negotiate.
During a meeting with the Ukrainian President, the President warned that the United States would conduct additional strikes against Iran.
U.S. Central Command reported that the strikes targeted approximately 90 Iranian military sites, including air‑defense systems, coastal surveillance assets, missile and drone storage facilities, naval capabilities, and logistics infrastructure along Iran’s coastline. The President characterized the attacks as retaliation for Iranian bombing of ships and cautioned that any further Iranian actions would provoke a stronger response.
Despite stating that the cease‑fire is over, the United States affirmed its willingness to continue talks, issuing a statement that Iran has asked to proceed with negotiations and that the United States has agreed to do so.
Diplomatic efforts are ongoing, involving the Vice President, senior U.S. envoys, and Qatari mediators, while Qatar maintains separate communications with Iranian officials.
Mediators from Qatar, Pakistan and other nations are working to ease tensions sparked by Iranian attacks on vessels in the Strait of Hormuz and the subsequent U.S. strikes on at least 170 targets, which have led to additional Iranian attacks on U.S. allies in the Persian Gulf.
No direct contact between U.S. and Iranian officials has been reported, though discussions with mediators continue.
The recent strikes constitute the most serious challenge to date for the cease‑fire agreement established in mid‑June.
