Iran–Israel–US Conflict Escalates as Tehran Ends Talks With Washington

US President Donald Trump speaks on the Iran conflict in Washington

Tensions in the Middle East continued to escalate on Tuesday as Iran signalled it would no longer pursue negotiations with the United States, while fighting involving Iran, Israel, and Washington continues to reverberate across global politics and energy markets. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said diplomatic talks with the United States were no longer on Tehran’s agenda under current circumstances, indicating that prospects for negotiations had sharply deteriorated amid the conflict. The remarks came as military and political tensions in the region remain high following a series of strikes and counter-strikes involving Iran and Israel, with the United States also playing a central role in the unfolding crisis.

In Washington, Donald Trump suggested that the conflict may be approaching its final stages.

Speaking earlier on Tuesday, Trump said the war in Iran was “pretty much over,” although he warned that any attempt by Tehran to disrupt global oil shipments through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz would provoke a severe response. He warned that interference with shipping in the strait would trigger retaliation “twenty times harder” than the strikes Iran had experienced so far. The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical energy chokepoints, handling roughly 20 percent of global oil shipments, making any disruption there a major concern for international markets.

Reports from Washington indicate that several advisers have recently urged Trump to begin outlining a strategy for extracting the United States from the conflict. The calls reflect growing concerns among policymakers about the risks of a prolonged military engagement in the Middle East and the potential economic and political consequences. Trump also held discussions on Monday with Vladimir Putin regarding what both sides described as the need for a “quick settlement” to the war. Russia has signalled strong backing for Iran’s leadership during the crisis.

Amid the escalating tensions, Iran on Monday announced the appointment of Mojtaba Khamenei as the country’s new supreme leader following the death of Ali Khamenei. The move marks a significant transition in Iranian leadership during a period of geopolitical instability. Russia has since pledged “unwavering support” to Mojtaba Khamenei, signalling Moscow’s continued alignment with Tehran in the unfolding conflict.

The war has also triggered humanitarian concerns. Human Rights Watch accused Israel of using white phosphorus over residential areas in southern Lebanon, a claim that could intensify international scrutiny of the conduct of the war. Israel has not immediately responded publicly to the allegations.

The conflict has sent shockwaves through global energy markets. Global benchmark Brent Crude Oil surged above $115 per barrel on March 9, briefly touching nearly $119, as investors reacted to fears that escalating hostilities could disrupt oil supplies. The spike was largely driven by concerns that shipping through the Strait of Hormuz could be blocked or restricted for an extended period. However, prices later retreated sharply as geopolitical sentiment shifted and traders assessed the likelihood of prolonged disruption. Analysts warn that the situation remains volatile, with any escalation in the conflict capable of triggering further swings in global energy prices and financial markets.

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