Trump Insists Talks Happening ‘Right Now’ As Iran, Israel Trade Strikes

A plume of smoke and a fragment of concrete rise from the site of an Israeli
airstrike on the eastern outskirts of Tyre, in southern Lebanon,
on March 24, 2026. Photo by DIMITAR DILKOFF / AFP

US President Donald Trump has insisted that negotiations with Iran are currently underway, even as hostilities between Iran and Israel continue to escalate across the Middle East.

Speaking on Tuesday, Trump stated that discussions aimed at ending the ongoing conflict were happening “right now,” noting that key members of his administration—including Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner—were involved in the diplomatic efforts.

Despite these claims, uncertainty surrounds the existence and progress of such talks. Iranian authorities have not confirmed any direct negotiations, while Israel has made it clear that its military operations will proceed without change.

The conflict, which began on February 28 following coordinated US-Israeli strikes on Iran, has since expanded across the region, fuelling instability and pushing global energy prices higher.

Trump also suggested that Iran had made a significant concession, describing it as a “very big present” related to oil and gas, although he did not provide further details. He added that the development had increased his confidence in Iran’s leadership.

Meanwhile, fighting on the ground showed no signs of slowing. Iran and Israel continued to exchange strikes, with reports of fresh attacks targeting strategic locations, including energy infrastructure and military positions.

There are growing indications that third-party nations may step in to mediate. Iran acknowledged receiving messages through what it described as “friendly countries,” suggesting a US request for negotiations. Pakistan has also offered to host potential peace talks, signalling a possible diplomatic pathway if both sides agree.

At the same time, the United States is reportedly reinforcing its military presence in the region, with thousands of additional troops expected to support ongoing operations.

While diplomatic overtures continue behind the scenes, the persistence of military exchanges highlights the fragile and uncertain path towards any ceasefire, with both sides maintaining pressure on the battlefield even as talks are being discussed.