US and Iran Continue Talks Despite Ongoing Military Escalation, Reports Say

PUKMEDIA

The flags of US and Iran.

CNN, citing a diplomatic source, has reported that negotiations between the United States and Iran are continuing in an effort to reach a potential agreement.

According to the broadcaster, talks are ongoing despite recent US strikes on Iran and Iranian attacks on US targets across the Middle East.

Separately, three Iranian sources told Reuters that efforts to secure a preliminary understanding between Tehran and Washington have intensified in recent days, even amid the exchange of strikes. The discussions are reportedly focusing on a mechanism for the release of frozen Iranian assets.

The United States and Iran have continued to trade strikes since a temporary ceasefire came into effect, as mediators attempt—so far unsuccessfully—to bring an end to the conflict, now in its fourth month.

President Donald Trump has repeatedly insisted that a deal is close, despite little visible progress, while also warning that US bombing could resume if necessary.

Earlier on Wednesday, US forces carried out strikes targeting air defence systems and radar installations near the Strait of Hormuz, following the reported downing of a US attack helicopter near the strategic waterway earlier in the week. In response, Iran launched missile and drone attacks against US bases in Jordan, Kuwait and Bahrain, although US officials said there was no significant damage.

The conflict has resulted in thousands of deaths and disrupted nearly a fifth of global crude oil and liquefied natural gas supplies, contributing to a sharp rise in energy prices.

Iran has closed the Strait of Hormuz, while the United States continues what it describes as restrictions on Iranian ports.

The Iranian Foreign Ministry condemned the latest US strikes overnight, saying they had rendered the ceasefire declared nearly two months ago “practically meaningless”. In a statement, it described the attacks as a “flagrant violation” and said responsibility for the consequences lay with US leadership.

Earlier on Thursday, US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced the completion of another wave of strikes against Iran, targeting what it described as Iranian military surveillance capabilities, communications systems and air defence sites. CENTCOM said precision-guided munitions were used by units from the Marine Corps, Air Force and Navy against targets deemed a threat to US forces and international shipping.

The United States and Iran exchanged further airstrikes for a second consecutive day, with President Trump warning of additional action if Tehran failed to agree to a peace deal.

The escalation followed the downing of a US Apache helicopter near the Strait of Hormuz earlier in the week, triggering a cycle of retaliatory strikes on Iranian territory and US military positions in the region.


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