The conflicting messages coming from Washington and Tehran are fueling uncertainty about the next developments in the Gulf War. Negotiations have begun with a fifteen-point American plan that calls for the dismantling of Iran's nuclear program, the unblocking of Hormuz, and the lifting of sanctions in return. However, the proposal was deemed "excessive" by the regime, which in turn put forward its own five conditions, maintaining its focus on control of the Strait .

Meanwhile, regional mediators are working to organize a high-level meeting as early as this weekend, with Pakistan as the preferred venue. "Negotiations continue," the White House assured, while also issuing a new warning to the ayatollahs: Trump "is not bluffing and is ready to unleash hell" if an agreement isn't reached.

(THE WAR, ALL THE NEWS)

News for Wednesday, March 25, 2026:

The White House warns Iran: "Trump isn't bluffing, he's ready to unleash hell."

Donald Trump "is not bluffing and is ready to unleash hell" if Iran doesn't accept defeat, White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said, emphasizing that "Iran shouldn't miscalculate."

Iranian media: "Tehran sets five conditions, US proposal excessive."

Iran has rejected the US proposal as "excessive" and reiterated its conditions for a possible ceasefire. Iran's Press TV reported, quoting a senior official: "Iran will end the war when it decides and when its conditions are met. No negotiations will take place before then." The official outlined the demands, including "a cessation of attacks and assassinations, guarantees against future conflicts, the payment of war reparations, an end to fighting on all fronts involving allied groups, and recognition of Iranian authority over the Strait of Hormuz."

This week, the UK, France, and its allies will hold a technical meeting on the Hormuz mission.

This week, the United Kingdom and France will chair a technical meeting between their joint chiefs of staff and some thirty allied countries, both European and non-European, to finalize plans for a future naval mission aimed at ensuring the reopening of the strategic Strait of Hormuz, closed to most commercial and oil traffic by Iran in response to US and Israeli attacks. The Guardian reports. Yesterday, the Times reported renewed British willingness and a possible meeting in Portsmouth, following the London declaration signed by 22 countries (including Italy) that suggested initiatives following a truce.

Media, breakthrough in US-Iran negotiations expected within 48 hours

Pakistani sources told Anadolu that a breakthrough in the talks between the United States and Iran is expected within 48 hours, while Tehran is demanding guarantees, keeping its missile program off the table, and demanding compensation. Turkey is working with Pakistan to mediate the Middle East conflict.

Ghalibaf to the US: "We're monitoring troop movements; don't test us."

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has warned the United States about troop movements in the region. "We are closely monitoring all US movements... Do not test our resolve to defend our territory," he told X. Ghalibaf added that US forces could "become victims of Netanyahu's delusions." The warning comes as the United States moves to deploy thousands of Marines and additional warships to the region, while attempting to initiate talks to end the war with Iran.

Iran reiterates: "Hormuz closed to the US, Israel and those who assist them"

"Ships belonging to the United States, Israel, and other countries participating in or assisting the attack on Iran in any way are not allowed to transit through the Strait of Hormuz," said Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Ismail Baghaei. "Ships belonging to other countries that have no connection to this attack on Iran are allowed to transit," the official added, ISNA reports. Since the conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran began, Tehran has severely restricted passage through the Strait of Hormuz, the waterway through which approximately one-fifth of the world's oil exports pass. According to geolocation sites monitoring the Strait, the blockage affects approximately 95% of what traffic normally would have been before the conflict erupted.

Iranian Ambassador: "There have been no negotiations between the US and Iran yet."

Iran's ambassador to Pakistan claims there have been no talks between Washington and Tehran so far. US President Donald Trump had spoken of uncertain progress in diplomatic efforts to end the war. "We also learned these details through the media, but according to my information—and contrary to Trump's statements—so far there have been no negotiations, either direct or indirect, between the two countries," Ambassador Reza Amiri Moghadam said.

Iran, Baghdad: "No talks underway with the US; they've already betrayed us ."

"Look at the facts. Iran is constantly being bombed and missile-launched by the United States and Israel. So their claim of diplomacy and mediation is not credible. Because they started this war and continue to attack Iran. So, can anyone really believe that their claim of mediation is credible?" he said. "So, these kinds of talks are underway between Iran and its neighbors and other friendly countries. We understand that the countries in the region, the neighboring countries, are concerned about the consequences and that everyone is trying in some way to help calm the situation," he said.

Axios: "Iranians are suspicious, fearing another Trump bluff."

Iranian officials reportedly told countries trying to broker peace talks with the United States that they have been deceived twice by President Trump and "don't want to be deceived again," Axios reports, citing a source with direct knowledge of these discussions. The US, the outlet writes, is pushing for in-person peace talks as early as Thursday in Islamabad, Pakistan. But during the two previous rounds of talks, Trump gave the green light to devastating surprise attacks while continuing to declare his desire to reach an agreement. Therefore, Iranian officials reportedly told the mediators—Pakistan, Egypt, and Turkey—that US military movements and Trump's decision to send significant reinforcements have heightened their suspicions that his proposal for peace talks is merely a ploy. For the Trump administration, however, this is a sign of its seriousness in negotiating, not bad faith. "Trump has one hand open for a deal and the other is a fist, ready to punch you in the face," a Trump adviser stated. According to Axios, Trump is simultaneously trying to develop options for both diplomacy and military escalation, so he can decide based on developments, US and Israeli officials say. These officials say another two to three weeks of war are expected, even if talks were to take place. The 82nd Airborne Division command has received orders to deploy to the Middle East with a several-thousand-strong infantry brigade. A White House official said a ground operation is an option, but emphasized that Trump has not yet made a decision.

Iran launches missiles toward Israel, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan

Iran's Revolutionary Guards announced today that they fired missiles toward Israel, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Jordan, according to state television (IRIB). According to the broadcaster, the Guards targeted several targets in northern and central Israel, including Tel Aviv, as well as two military bases used by the United States in Kuwait, another in Bahrain, and another in Jordan, using "missiles and drones."

Kuwait responds to attacks with missiles and drones

The Kuwaiti army announced it was "responding to hostile threats from missiles and drones" and urged the population to follow the security instructions issued by the authorities, Al Jazeera's online edition reported. In a statement published on X, the army also clarified that any explosions heard were the result of intercepts. The announcement came after the Kuwaiti National Guard claimed to have shot down five drones in its "areas of responsibility." Earlier, another drone attack had caused a fuel depot at Kuwait International Airport to catch fire.

(Unioneonline)

© Riproduzione riservata