On March 29 (US time), US President Donald Trump said Washington and Tehran had conducted "direct and indirect" contacts, and commented that Iran's new leaders were "very reasonable".
The statement was made as Pakistan announced that it is preparing to hold "meaningful" talks in the coming days to end the conflict that has lasted for 1 month. Mr. Trump expressed confidence that the two sides can reach an agreement, although admitting that this possibility is uncertain.
Mr. Trump also said that the US has achieved its goal of changing leadership in Tehran after airstrikes that killed Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. His successor, Mr. Mojtaba, was assessed by him as more "reasonable".
Meanwhile, Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said that discussions between regional foreign ministers mentioned the possibility of organizing dialogue between the US and Iran in Islamabad, with the goal of reaching a comprehensive and long-term solution. However, it is not clear whether the two sides have agreed to participate or not.
From Iran's side, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf accused the US of both sending a negotiating message and preparing a ground attack plan. He emphasized that Tehran will not accept any pressure and is ready to respond if US troops are deployed.
On the ground, fighting continued to escalate. Israel said it had conducted more than 140 airstrikes on central and western Iran, including Tehran, targeting launchers and ballistic missile depots. Iranian media reported that the attacks targeted Mehrabad airport and a petrochemical plant in Tabriz.
In the opposite direction, Iran continued to attack Israel and targets in the area. A chemical facility near the city of Beersheba was hit by missiles or debris, forcing authorities to warn people about the danger of dangerous materials.
Widespread tensions have strongly impacted the global economy. Iran's blockade of the Hormuz Strait has disrupted about 20% of the world's oil and gas supply, pushed oil prices up sharply and increased concerns about inflation and recession.
The US is also strengthening its military presence in the Middle East with thousands of marines and special forces deployed, creating more options for the President. However, Mr. Trump has not approved any ground attack plans.
