Iran Dismisses Trump’s Talk Claims as Missile Barrages Hit Israel and Gulf Targets
By Juba Global News Network | JubaGlobal.comMarch 25, 2026
On day 25 of the escalating US-Israel-Iran conflict, sharp contradictions emerged between Washington and Tehran. While President Donald Trump claimed “very good and productive conversations” were underway toward ending the war, Iranian officials swiftly and forcefully rejected any notion of negotiations, labeling the assertions as “fake news” designed to manipulate oil and financial markets.
Iran’s Parliamentary Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf took to social media to declare: “No negotiations have been held with the US.” He accused the Trump administration of using the false narrative to “escape the quagmire in which the US and Israel are trapped” and to influence global markets. Iran’s Foreign Ministry and state media echoed the denial, insisting that no direct or indirect talks had taken place.
Fresh Missile and Drone Barrages
Despite the diplomatic denials, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps launched new waves of ballistic missiles and drones targeting Israeli cities and sites across the Gulf region.
- Israel: Multiple missiles struck central Tel Aviv and surrounding areas, causing significant damage to residential neighborhoods, vehicles, and infrastructure. Reports confirmed injuries and heavy structural damage in Bnei Brak near Tel Aviv, as well as strikes in other locations. Israeli air defenses intercepted many incoming projectiles, but several warheads — some carrying cluster munitions — penetrated the system, inflicting the heaviest damage seen in recent days. Sirens sounded across central Israel, Jerusalem, and the West Bank.12
- Gulf States: Iranian drones and missiles targeted energy infrastructure and military sites in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, and the UAE. Kuwait reported multiple air defense activations and a major fire at Kuwait International Airport linked to a suspected Iranian drone strike. Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province — home to critical oil facilities — intercepted around 20 drones. Bahrain sounded alarms repeatedly, and a Moroccan civilian contractor with UAE forces was reported killed in one incident. US military bases in the region also faced threats.20
These attacks came hours after Trump’s optimistic statements, highlighting the wide gap between rhetoric in Washington and actions on the ground in Tehran.
Iran’s Defiant Stance
Senior Iranian officials, including the deputy parliamentary speaker and military commanders, described Trump’s claims as “psychological warfare.” They vowed to continue resistance until Israeli and US aggression ceases. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard explicitly stated that “the contradictory behavior of the deceptive U.S. president does not distract us from the battlefield.”
Tehran maintains that any genuine talks must respect Iranian sovereignty and address the root causes of the conflict, which it attributes entirely to US and Israeli strikes that began on February 28, 2026.
Trump Administration’s Position
President Trump, speaking on March 24, reiterated that the US was engaging with “the right people” in Iran, including through intermediaries. He mentioned envoys such as Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner in back-channel efforts and claimed a “very big present” regarding oil and gas cooperation from new Iranian leadership. Trump also postponed planned US strikes on Iranian power plants for five days to allow space for diplomacy, while extending a deadline for reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
The mixed signals have fueled volatility in global energy markets. Oil prices swung sharply on hopes of de-escalation, only to face renewed pressure from continued Iranian attacks that threaten shipping and Gulf energy exports.
Broader Regional Impact
The conflict, now entering its fourth week, shows no immediate signs of winding down:
- Israeli forces continue intensive airstrikes on Iranian targets, including sites in Tehran and other cities.
- Fighting has spilled over into Lebanon with renewed exchanges between Israel and Hezbollah.
- Gulf nations are on high alert, with several weighing deeper involvement or urgent calls for a ceasefire to protect their economies.
- Humanitarian concerns are rising as civilian areas in both Israel and Iran suffer damage and casualties.
Analysts note that Iran’s continued missile barrages serve both military and political purposes: demonstrating resolve to its domestic audience and regional allies while pressuring the US and Israel amid Trump’s public optimism.
What Lies Ahead?
The coming hours and days remain critical. Iran has warned of even stronger retaliation if strikes on its energy or water infrastructure resume. Meanwhile, the US continues preparations for additional troop deployments to the region, including over 1,000 paratroopers.
Whether the gap between Trump’s diplomatic claims and Iran’s battlefield actions can be bridged — or will widen into further escalation — will shape the trajectory of this rapidly evolving war.
Juba Global News Network will provide continuous updates as the situation develops. For the latest coverage, visit JubaGlobal.com.
This comprehensive report captures the latest contradictory developments in the 2026 Iran war. Stay informed with Juba Global News Network.
