Israel launched strikes on targets in central Tehran just minutes after Donald Trump claimed progress toward ending the Middle East war, a sharp escalation that raises doubts over any immediate de-escalation.
The Israeli military said it was targeting sites linked to the Iranian regime in the “heart of Tehran,” as multiple areas of the capital were hit in the latest wave of attacks. The timing underscored a widening gap between diplomatic signals and military action on the ground.
Iranian state-affiliated media reported that emergency teams were searching beneath the rubble of a residential building for a child, following the strikes. The Iranian Red Crescent confirmed ongoing rescue operations, pointing to potential civilian impact.
Tehran moved quickly to deny any negotiations with Washington. Iran’s foreign ministry, cited by state-linked outlets, rejected Trump’s claim of “productive talks,” signaling that no diplomatic breakthrough had been reached.
Earlier, Trump said the United States would pause strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure for five days, citing progress in discussions. The announcement now appears overshadowed by Israel’s latest military action, which risks complicating any diplomatic momentum.
The developments highlight a volatile phase in the conflict, where parallel military escalation and conflicting political messaging are deepening uncertainty over whether the crisis is moving toward resolution or a broader confrontation.