US President Donald Trump said he is facing no pressure to reach an agreement with Iran, pushing back against what he described as “fake news” reports suggesting urgency in negotiations.
In a lengthy post on Truth Social, Trump argued that his administration is in a “very strong position” and would not be rushed into a deal that falls short of expectations. He claimed that, from a military standpoint, operations concerning Iran had progressed faster than anticipated.
Trump also drew comparisons with the duration of past conflicts, including the First and Second World Wars, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and the Iraq War, to underscore his point that complex geopolitical challenges take time.
Dismissing reports of pressure, he said any agreement would happen “relatively quickly” but emphasised that achieving the right outcome remained the priority.
He criticised Democrats, accusing them of undermining his administration while previously warning about the risks posed by Iran. Trump further defended his military record, stating that he had strengthened US armed forces during his first term and is now using them “judiciously” in his second term.
Israel accused of destruction in southern Lebanon
The Israeli military has carried out varying degrees of destruction in 39 villages in southern Lebanon since the ceasefire in its war with Hezbollah last week, Reuters reported citing a senior Hezbollah-allied politician.
Ali Hassan Khalil, a senior aide to Lebanon’s Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, said explosions carried out by Israel had destroyed civilian homes, calling it a “clear war crime”.
India says flights operating amid partial airspace reopening
Ministry of External Affairs Additional Secretary (Gulf) Aseem R Mahajan said flights have continued to operate from India to countries where the airspace remains open.
“Since Feb 28, around 11,30,000 passengers have travelled from the region to India. Airlines continue to operate limited commercial flights based on operational and safety conditions between UAE and India,” Mahajan said.
He added that Iranian airspace is currently partially open, allowing restricted flight operations.
Israel accused of destruction in southern Lebanon
The Israeli military has carried out varying degrees of destruction in 39 villages in southern Lebanon since the ceasefire in its war with Hezbollah last week, Reuters reported citing a senior Hezbollah-allied politician.
Ali Hassan Khalil, a senior aide to Lebanon’s Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, said explosions carried out by Israel had destroyed civilian homes, calling it a “clear war crime”.
US President Donald Trump has reiterated his hardline stance on Iran, declaring that Tehran “can never have a nuclear weapon” while dismissing media reports and opinion polls as “fake” and “rigged”.
In a post on Truth Social on Monday, Trump insisted he was not influenced by Israel in escalating the conflict, instead citing long-held views on Iran’s nuclear ambitions. He also claimed the US holds a strong negotiating position and signalled confidence that outcomes in Iran could be “amazing” if leadership changes occur.
The comments come amid a fragile ceasefire and stalled negotiations, with Washington maintaining pressure through a naval blockade and demands that Iran abandon its nuclear programme.
Hezbollah MP calls to abandon direct talks for national consensus
“It is in the interest of the state, the interest of Lebanon, the president of the republic and the government to move away from the path of direct negotiation and return to a national understanding about the best option for Lebanon,” AFP quotes Hezbollah lawmaker Hassan Fadlallah.
Iran weighs joining Pakistan peace talks
Iranian source said on Monday that Tehran is considering joining peace talks with the United States in Pakistan, Reuters reported.
However, the source added that any participation would likely follow moves by Islamabad to end the US blockade on Iranian ports, a key sticking point in the negotiations.
This comes after a senior Iranian official said Tehran was “positively reviewing” its participation, but no final decision had been taken.
Vance expected to join Pakistan talks
US Vice President JD Vance is expected to depart Washington on Tuesday to travel to Pakistan to take part in the latest round of talks with Iran, CNN reported citing people familiar with the matter.
The White House told CNN there was no formal cřonfirmation on timing, but said “we expect the delegation to be on the road soon.”
Macron calls Hormuz closure ‘mistake on both sides’
French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday said the closure of the Strait of Hormuz was a “mistake on both sides”, AFP reported.
His remarks come amid mounting global concern over disruptions to one of the world’s most critical oil shipping routes, as tensions between Iran and the United States continue to impact maritime traffic and energy markets.
US seizes Iranian vessel over suspected ‘dual-use’
An Iranian-flagged container ship, Touska, seized by US forces on Sunday, is suspected of carrying what Washington deems “dual-use” items that could be used for military purposes, Reuters reported citing maritime security sources.
The small container vessel was boarded off the coast of Iran’s Chabahar port in the Gulf of Oman and last reported its position at 1308 GMT, according to ship-tracking data from the MarineTraffic platform.
US blockade forces vessels to turn back
In post on X, US Central Command (CENTCOM) said that since the commencement of the blockade on ships entering or exiting ddIranian ports and coastal areas, US forces have directed 27 vessels to turn around or return to an Iranian port.bpģ
The statement underscores the scale of enforcement measures being implemented as part of Washington’s pressure campaign during the ongoing conflict.
Xi urges open Strait of Hormuz
Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday called for the opening of the Strait of Hormuz for normal passage of ships, as Beijing described it as an “international waterway” amid assertions by Iran that it has an inalienable right over it, PTI reported.
“The Strait of Hormuz should maintain normal passage, as this serves the common interests of regional countries and the international community,” Xi told Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during a phone call.
Iran President warns of deep mistrust, rejects US pressure
In a post on X, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stressed that “honouring commitments” is key to meaningful dialogue, while warning that deep mistrust towards the United States persists.
He criticised what he described as “contradictory” and “unconstructive” signals from American officials, saying they convey a demand for Iran’s surrender — something he asserted Iranians would resist.
Pezeshkian has also accused Washington of “bullying” in diplomatic efforts and indicated reluctance to join further talks, highlighting widening gaps between the two sides.
