U.S. and Israel continue strikes on Iran amid disputed backchannel negotiations
President Donald Trump declared victory in the conflict with Iran on Tuesday, claiming that Tehran made a valuable offer in backchannel negotiations, though Iranian officials have denied any such talks are taking place.
Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump said the deal involved “a very significant prize” related to the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route. “We’ve won this. This war has been won,” he said, emphasizing U.S. military and diplomatic success.
However, analysts and former U.S. officials note that Iran believes it is winning in its own form of asymmetric warfare, demonstrating resilience despite ongoing attacks.
The announcement comes as thousands of U.S. Marines, along with the 82nd Airborne Division’s command staff, are being deployed to the Middle East. At the same time, the Israeli military is reportedly preparing to continue operations against Iran for several more weeks to achieve its war objectives.
On the battlefield, U.S. and Israeli airstrikes continued Tuesday, targeting Iranian infrastructure. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard reported a strike on a gas supply line feeding a power station in southwest Iran, while the International Atomic Energy Agency confirmed another projectile hit Iran’s Bushehr nuclear power plant. Meanwhile, Iran launched missile barrages, including one that struck Tel Aviv.
The developments highlight the ongoing escalation in the U.S.-Iran-Israel conflict, with both sides claiming tactical successes while diplomatic efforts remain murky.
Source: NPR