President Donald Trump said Wednesday that Iran wants to return to negotiations, even as the U.S. military launched another round of strikes against Iranian targets, raising fresh concerns that the conflict could deepen.
Speaking before an event in Pennsylvania, Trump said his administration had received word that Tehran wanted to meet and reach a deal. Around the same time, U.S. Central Command confirmed it had carried out a second wave of attacks within 12 hours, targeting Iranian military sites it said threatened shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Iran, however, continued to project a defiant stance, with senior officials saying the country remained ready to fight while leaving the door open to diplomacy.
The latest escalation follows several days of military exchanges between Washington and Tehran, with oil prices remaining elevated as investors watch for possible disruptions to energy shipments through the Gulf. Trump has also warned that additional strikes could target Iranian infrastructure if negotiations fail.
Security analysts said the conflict shows little sign of ending soon. Some warned that without a clear diplomatic breakthrough, the fighting could turn into a prolonged low-level conflict, increasing risks for regional stability, global energy markets and international shipping.
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