Iran and US Exchange Messages as War Enters Third Week with No Cease-Fire
Key Takeaways
- Diplomatic communications between Iran and the United States continue via intermediaries.
- Oman-hosted talks in Muscat show divergent positions between the sides.
- No cease-fire achieved yet; risk of escalation remains as diplomacy stalls.
Indirect Contacts Amid War
Araghchi confirmed messages had been exchanged with the US.
“Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has confirmed that messages had been exchanged with the United States, either directly or through countries in the region, amid the ongoing US-Israel war on Iran”
He emphasized that contacts did not mean Iran was in negotiations.
The war had entered its third week with no clear strategic advantage.
War of Attrition
US-Israeli forces intensified precision strikes.
Power outages were reported in parts of Tehran.
CENTCOM confirmed six US service members killed.
Iran Retaliates
Iran declared the Strait of Hormuz closed.
“If diplomacy with the United States fails, what options does Iran have”
Iran launched missile strikes on Israel that killed 11 people.
The war had killed more than 2,000 people overall.
Diplomatic Efforts Stalled
The US rejected early diplomatic moves to start cease-fire talks.
The war was imposed on Iran, Baghaei said.
Mousavian noted the attack had ignited nationalism and Shiite ideology.
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