Iran launched multiple waves of missiles toward Israel, triggering air raid sirens across key regions including Tel Aviv, as tensions escalated despite U.S. claims of ongoing diplomatic engagement.
The Israeli military said interceptions were carried out, with blasts heard in Tel Aviv. In northern Israel, homes were damaged by debris from one intercepted missile, though no deaths were reported.
The attacks came shortly after U.S. President Donald Trump announced he would delay planned strikes on Iran’s power infrastructure, citing what he described as “very good and productive” talks aimed at a “complete and total resolution of hostilities in the Middle East.”
However, Iranian officials swiftly rejected those claims. Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf dismissed reports of negotiations as “fake news,” accusing Washington of attempting to manipulate financial and oil markets. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards also described Trump’s remarks as “psychological operations” with no impact on Tehran’s military campaign.
Despite the denial, diplomatic activity appeared to continue behind the scenes. A European official said messages were being relayed indirectly via countries including Egypt, Pakistan and Gulf states, while sources indicated possible talks could take place in Islamabad later this week.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel would continue its military operations in Iran and Lebanon, though he acknowledged that Trump believed recent battlefield developments could be leveraged into a broader deal.
View this post on Instagram
The conflicting narratives have unsettled global markets. After an initial rally following Trump’s announcement of a five-day pause in planned strikes, oil prices surged again, with Brent crude climbing above $100 a barrel. Analysts warned that uncertainty remains high as the situation evolves.
