Reported from the source

Quick summary: Iran’s Foreign Minister denied seeking a ceasefire or negotiations, contradicting US claims, but stated openness to talks on safe passage through the effectively closed Strait of Hormuz. Israel reported extensive strikes on Iran after detecting missile fire, while the Lebanese health ministry confirmed 850 deaths from Israeli attacks since March 2. US officials offered conflicting views on the war’s end and terms for a deal.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi denied that Tehran had requested a ceasefire or negotiations to end the war, directly undermining Donald Trump’s assertion that Iran sought a deal. Araghchi, however, stated Iran is “open to countries who want to talk” about safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping channel now effectively closed due to the conflict, leading to global energy price surges. Trump reiterated that the US is “not ready” for a deal, citing insufficient terms and emphasizing Iran’s complete abandonment of nuclear weapons ambitions as a prerequisite. Israel announced it launched “extensive airstrikes” across western Iran today, following earlier detection of Iranian missiles fired at Israel. The Israeli military also warned several neighborhoods in Beirut’s southern suburbs to evacuate “immediately.” The Lebanese health ministry reported 850 people, including over 100 children, have been killed in Israeli attacks on the country since March 2. US Energy Secretary Chris Wright predicted the US-Israel war with Iran would conclude within “the next few weeks.” Meanwhile, oil-loading operations at Fujairah, the UAE’s main oil port, reportedly restarted after a drone strike on Saturday. Iran’s state news agency IRNA claimed at least 56 Iranian cultural sites have been damaged by US-Israeli strikes since the war began. The US embassy in Baghdad confirmed no injuries to US personnel after two drones reportedly hit the compound on Saturday. Conflicting messages emerged from the Trump administration regarding the war’s justification and duration, with the president shifting between calling it a “short-term excursion” and stating “we haven’t won enough.”

Source: www.theguardian.com