As the war in the Middle East continues to claim more casualties, President Donald Trump’s claim of an ongoing negotiation for a ceasefire agreement has been repeatedly dismissed by Iran.
Thousands of people have been killed in the region, and higher numbers have been injured or displaced across Iran, Lebanon, Israel, and other parts of the region.
Attacks on major gas facilities in four Middle Eastern countries worsened the war’s economic impact.
The White House Press Secretary, Caroline Leavitt, said Wednesday at a press conference that President Donald Trump would increase attacks if Iran does not declare itself defeated.
“President Trump does not bluff, and he is prepared to unleash hell. Iran should not miscalculate again.
“If Iran fails to accept the reality of the current moment, if they fail to understand that they have been defeated militarily, and will continue to be, President Trump will ensure they are hit harder than they have ever been hit before,” she told reporters at a press briefing.
Iran has rejected the US 15-point plan to end the war, labeling the demands “unreasonable.”
It also declared the demands excessive and promised to continue, because, for it, no negotiations can occur under these set of conditions.
In place of the US demands, which required the country to stop financing or supporting proxies in the region, Tehran issued its own five-point agenda.
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Iran will continue to fight to prevent the US and Israel from launching another surprise attack. He also denied that both sides have held any form of negotiations, saying Tehran only received a list of US demands from “friendly countries.”
“At present, our policy is the continuation of resistance,” Mr Araghchi said.
“We do not intend to negotiate. So far, no negotiations have taken place, and I believe our position is completely principled.”
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has warned that the war by the United States and Israel against Iran is “out of control.”
Guterres also urged all sides to step back from the brink and allow diplomacy to prevail.
He announced the appointment of a senior envoy to spearhead peace efforts.
The UN chief said the conflict had spiralled far beyond what leaders had anticipated.
“The world is staring down the barrel of a wider war, a rising tide of human suffering, and a deeper global economic shock,” he said.
He added: “This has gone too far.”
Despite claims that it is negotiating with Iran, the US is continuing to send troops to the Middle East.
About 2,500 Marines from California, along with three warships, have been deployed, according to Al Jazeera. These are special operations forces.
The US is also considering deploying the 82nd Airborne Division, a rapid-response unit capable of mobilising within 24 hours, sparking speculation about its mission.
The Islamic Resistance in Iraq says it carried out 23 attacks on US bases in Iraq and across the region within the past day..
North Korea’s leader, Kim Jong Un, also accused President Trump of resorting to state-sponsored acts of terrorism and aggression.
He said this in reference to the US and Israel’s war against Iran, which has led to the deaths of more than 1500 Iranians and over 200 students.
He told the country’s parliament that he was right not to give up the country’s weapons.
“The hostile forces want us to make a different choice, preaching a payment for our giving up of nuclear weapons.
“But the present situation clearly proves our nuclear possession is irreversible,” he said.