Iran-US-Israel War Latest Update: The White House on Wednesday warned that President Donald Trump is “prepared to unleash hell” if Iran does not accept its defeat, even as Tehran insisted there are “no talks” with the United States. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt issued the stark warning while simultaneously claiming that negotiations between the two sides continue.
“If Iran fails to accept the reality of the current moment… Trump will ensure they are hit harder than they have ever been hit before,” Leavitt told a news briefing, according to AFP. “President Trump does not bluff and he is prepared to unleash hell. Iran should not miscalculate again.”
What Is Iran’s Position on Negotiations?
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi struck a sharply different tone, telling state TV that Tehran does not intend to negotiate with Washington. “We do not intend to negotiate — so far, no negotiations have taken place, and I believe our position is completely principled,” Araghchi said.
The foreign minister characterized the US talking about negotiations as “an admission of defeat.” He added that messages were being conveyed through mediators or “friendly countries” but said this was “neither called dialogue nor negotiation.”
Is the US Sending a Formal Proposal?
The United States sent a 15-point proposal to Iran through Pakistan, which is mediating between the two countries, according to reports. The plan was outwardly rejected by senior Iranian leaders. However, Tehran is yet to provide a formal response, with Araghchi saying Iran is reviewing the proposals made by mediating countries.
“These were presented in the form of various ideas, all of which have been conveyed to the senior officials of the country, and if it is necessary for a position to be taken, it will certainly be decided,” Araghchi said.
What Is the White House Saying About Iran’s Position?
Leavitt insisted that negotiations between the two countries continue while cautioning Iran not to “miscalculate again.” She said Trump’s position reflects a rejection of “decades of failed foreign policy” and emphasized that Iran must accept the reality of the current moment.
The warning follows over a month of fighting between Iran and the US-Israel coalition, which has killed over 2,000 people in the region, interrupted global oil supply, and essentially closed the Strait of Hormuz.
What Is the Role of Pakistan in Mediation?
Pakistan has emerged as a key mediator between Washington and Tehran, conveying the 15-point US proposal to Iranian leadership. Iranian officials claim that the plan is still being reviewed, despite the fact that senior leaders have publicly rejected the notion of direct talks.
Araghchi’s distinction between receiving messages through mediators and actual negotiations suggests Tehran is keeping channels open without formally engaging in talks.
How Does This Fit Into the Broader Conflict?
The exchange of threats and competing claims about negotiations reflects the complex diplomatic landscape nearly a month into the war. Trump claimed over the weekend that “very good and productive conversations” were happening with Iran — a claim Iranian officials have repeatedly denied.
Meanwhile, Iran has demanded that any ceasefire agreement must include Lebanon and Hezbollah, linking an end to the war with Israel to a halt in the offensive against its powerful proxy. Israeli strikes since March 2 have killed more than 1,000 people in Lebanon and displaced over a million, according to Lebanese authorities.
FAQs: US-Iran Negotiations
Q: Is the US negotiating with Iran?
A: The White House claims talks continue. Iran says no negotiations have taken place and it does not intend to negotiate.
Q: What did the White House warn Iran?
A: Press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Trump is “prepared to unleash hell” and Iran will be “hit harder than ever” if it fails to accept defeat.
Q: Did the US send a formal proposal?
A: Yes. The US sent a 15-point proposal to Iran through Pakistan, which is mediating. Iran says it is reviewing but has not formally responded.
Q: What is Iran’s position on talks?
A: Tehran does not plan to engage in negotiations, according to Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who described US assertions of talks as an “admission of defeat.”
Q: What role is Pakistan playing?
A: Pakistan is acting as a mediator between the United States and Iran, sending signals and offers back and forth.
Q: How long has the war been going on?
A: The US-Israel-Iran war began on February 28 and has now entered its fourth week.
Disclaimer: This information is based on inputs from news agency reports. TSG does not independently confirm the information provided by the relevant sources.
