Key Points
- Iran launches fresh missile barrage targeting Israeli cities
- Tehran denies Trump’s claim of “productive” talks
- US had paused strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure
- Escalation continues despite diplomatic signals
ISLAMABAD: Iran fired a fresh wave of missiles at Israel, striking multiple locations and causing damage, hours after denying claims by US President Donald Trump that talks were underway to de-escalate the conflict.
Air raid sirens sounded across Israeli cities, including Tel Aviv, as explosions were reported and emergency services rushed to affected areas.
Israeli authorities said several missiles were intercepted, though some struck urban locations, damaging buildings and injuring civilians, according to Reuters.
The latest strikes came shortly after Trump announced a temporary pause in planned US attacks on Iran’s energy infrastructure, saying “productive” discussions with Iranian officials had opened a window for diplomacy.
Iran swiftly rejected the claim. Senior officials said there had been no direct negotiations with Washington. Iranian officials described the US President’s statements as “fake news,” signalling a sharp disconnect between diplomatic messaging and developments on the ground.
The contradiction underscores the fragile and uncertain state of diplomacy as the conflict intensifies.
While Washington has indicated a willingness to explore talks, Tehran has maintained that any engagement would require an end to military pressure and guarantees against further strikes.
The renewed missile barrage reflects a continuing cycle of escalation that began with US and Israeli strikes on Iranian targets in late February. Since then, both sides have exchanged attacks involving missiles, drones and airstrikes, expanding the conflict across multiple fronts.
Despite the limited pause in US strikes on energy targets, military operations have otherwise continued, with Washington indicating that Iranian military assets remain within scope.
The situation has raised concerns among international actors attempting to mediate.
Several countries, including regional and European powers, are believed to be involved in backchannel efforts for reducing tensions, though no formal breakthrough has been confirmed.
Analysts warn that the gap between public claims of diplomacy and ongoing military action increases the risk of miscalculation.
Continued missile exchanges, particularly involving major urban centres, heighten the potential for further escalation.
Global markets have also reacted to the mixed signals. Trump’s announcement of a pause briefly eased concerns, but renewed strikes and Iran’s denial of talks have reinforced uncertainty over the trajectory of the conflict.
For now, the latest missile barrage highlights a stark reality. Even as diplomatic narratives emerge, the conflict on the ground continues to intensify, with little immediate sign of de-escalation.
