Trump says US has no interest in talks until Iran ready for meaningful negotiations
US President Donald Trump said the United States has "no interest" in meeting with Iran unless Tehran is prepared for "meaningful" negotiations, while warning that further military action against Iranian targets remains under consideration as hostilities between the two countries intensify.
Speaking at the White House during a meeting with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, Trump claimed Iran was seeking talks but had yet to demonstrate seriousness. He reiterated that Iran "cannot have a nuclear weapon" and asserted that recent US operations had significantly weakened the country's military capabilities.
Trump also said Washington was monitoring Iran's nuclear activities, including reports that centrifuges may have been moved to the underground Pickaxe Mountain facility near Natanz, although he acknowledged the US had no confirmation. He warned that the site could be targeted in future strikes.
Diplomatic door remains open
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington remains willing to pursue a negotiated solution, but questioned Tehran's commitment to diplomacy.
Speaking at an ASEAN meeting in Manila, Rubio said Iran has maintained both direct and indirect communication with the United States. However, he stressed that meaningful negotiations would only be possible if Iran demonstrates genuine willingness to engage and uphold any future agreements.
Rubio also accused Iran of threatening freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, saying the US would continue protecting international shipping and the interests of its regional allies.
Military operations continue
The US Central Command (CENTCOM) said it carried out its 11th consecutive night of strikes against Iranian military targets, including operations centers, drone storage facilities, aircraft hangars and logistics infrastructure. According to CENTCOM, the campaign is aimed at reducing Iran's ability to threaten commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
Iranian media reported fresh US strikes in several provinces, including Bushehr, Kermanshah, East Azerbaijan, Khuzestan and Sistan and Baluchestan. Officials in Bushehr said strikes hit areas near Khormoj but reported no casualties.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told lawmakers that the conflict has cost the United States an estimated **$37.5 billion** since it began earlier this year. He argued that Iran is currently at one of its weakest military positions in decades, while Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine cautioned that air power alone has limitations.
Iran warns of regional retaliation
Iran warned that any US attack on its nuclear facilities would trigger retaliation against American interests, as well as those of Washington's allies across the region.
The Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters said strikes on sensitive Iranian sites would be considered a major escalation and would be met with a "powerful" response.
Iranian military sources also claimed they launched drone attacks against US military facilities in Kuwait, including Camp Doha, targeting ammunition depots and logistical infrastructure. Separately, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said it had struck radar systems linked to US military operations in Kuwait. Independent verification of those claims was not immediately available.
Regional tensions deepen
Israeli media reported that Israeli officials believe Washington could further expand its military campaign against Iran, raising concerns that Tehran may respond by directly targeting Israel.
The latest exchange of attacks comes despite a Pakistan-brokered memorandum of understanding signed by Washington and Tehran in June aimed at ending the conflict and establishing a framework for lasting peace. The agreement has since unraveled amid renewed fighting and growing tensions over security in the Strait of Hormuz.
Source:AA
