Iran fires new missiles at Israel as Trump touts talks that Tehran denies

Tensions in the Middle East escalated on Tuesday as Iran launched another wave of missiles at “Israel”, hours after former US President Donald Trump claimed “very good” progress in negotiations with Tehran, a claim Iran vehemently denied.

Missiles rain down, buildings damaged

State-run Iranian media reported the new strikes early Tuesday, targeting northern Israel. Rescue services shared images of a damaged building but confirmed there were no casualties. Meanwhile, Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel carried out seven air raids on south Beirut overnight as part of a ground campaign against Hezbollah.

“The strikes will continue as needed to protect Israel,” Netanyahu said, highlighting Israel’s long-term focus on Iran-backed groups. Lebanese officials reported over 1,000 deaths and more than a million displaced since Israel expanded operations in the country.

Trump claims progress, Iran calls it fiction

Trump surprised markets on Monday, saying the US was speaking with a “top person” in Iran about ending the war. Axios cited an Israeli official identifying Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, a senior Iranian figure, as the interlocutor.

Yet Ghalibaf and Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei denied any negotiations, accusing Trump of attempting to manipulate financial and oil markets. Despite this, Trump insisted “major points of agreement” had already been reached, with conditions including Iran abandoning nuclear ambitions and giving up enriched uranium stockpiles.

Oil markets and global nerves

The market reaction was immediate: crude prices fell sharply from over $100 a barrel, and Asian markets rallied following European and Wall Street gains. Analysts warn, however, that if the conflict drags on, global oil supply could suffer a crisis surpassing the combined impact of the 1970s oil shocks and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The Strait of Hormuz, through which nearly one-fifth of the world’s oil passes, has seen throttled traffic, amplifying fears of a prolonged energy crisis. Thousands of US Marines are en route to the region, reinforcing America’s presence as speculation swirls about potential ground operations.

War’s human toll

Since the outbreak of hostilities, at least 3,230 Iranians have died, including more than 1,400 civilians, according to the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency. Israeli strikes in Lebanon have killed over 1,000 people, forcing mass displacement.

Security analysts suggest Trump’s latest comments coupled with Iran’s missile retaliation demonstrate a dangerous volatility: even talks that may not exist can influence markets and heighten the risk of further escalation.

Looking ahead

As Washington and Tel Aviv weigh next steps and Tehran remains defiant, the region faces uncertain days ahead. Oil markets, civilian safety, and diplomatic credibility all hang in the balance, leaving the world watching a conflict that continues to ripple far beyond the Middle East.

{Source: The Citizen}

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