US President Donald Trump claimed that Iran’s president is seeking a ceasefire in the ongoing conflict, but the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) denied the assertion, as airstrikes and regional attacks continued on Wednesday.
Trump said on social media that Iran’s “new regime president” wanted a ceasefire, adding that any deal would depend on reopening the strategic Strait of Hormuz. However, it was unclear whom he was referring to, as Iran’s leadership remains unchanged.
Araghchi, Iranian Foreign Minister, dismissed the idea of negotiations under pressure, saying Tehran will continue to defend itself and does not respond to “threats and deadlines.” He added that trust in the United States remains “at zero.”
The IRGC explicitly rejected Trump’s claim, stating the Strait of Hormuz remains “firmly under Iranian control” and would not be opened due to “ridiculous statements” by the US president.
Meanwhile, tensions escalated across the region. Iran struck an oil tanker off Qatar’s coast with a cruise missile, though no casualties were reported. A drone attack hit a fuel tank at Kuwait International Airport, causing a large fire, while debris from an intercepted drone killed one person in the UAE.
Jordan and Saudi Arabia reported intercepting Iranian missiles and drones, and air raid sirens sounded in Israel. In Lebanon, at least five people were killed in Israeli strikes on Beirut.
Fresh airstrikes also hit Tehran, including an apparent strike inside the former US Embassy compound, now controlled by Iran’s Revolutionary Guard. Israel said it targeted a facility allegedly producing fentanyl, though Iran insisted it manufactured hospital drugs.
The conflict has sharply affected global energy markets. Brent crude prices rose more than 40% to over $103 per barrel, raising concerns about inflation and broader economic consequences.
Despite Trump suggesting the US could scale back involvement within weeks, uncertainty remains over whether Iran will halt attacks or loosen control over the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial route for global oil shipments.
