By Staff Reporter

US President Donald Trump has said Washington remains in contact with Tehran in an effort to ease rising tensions, while warning that the United States is fully prepared to respond militarily if necessary.

Speaking amid escalating regional unrest, Trump said discussions with Iran were ongoing and suggested that a previously threatened “massive” military strike might not be required. However, he stressed that US forces remain “locked and loaded” should the situation deteriorate.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi dismissed the warnings, stating that Tehran would neither be intimidated by threats nor bow to external pressure.

Meanwhile, Iran’s military announced that it had launched strikes targeting US military bases in Kuwait, Bahrain and Jordan, further heightening concerns of a broader regional conflict.

In the occupied West Bank, the Israeli military launched what it described as “counterterrorism” operations and imposed a curfew following deadly violence southwest of Nablus. The clashes left six people dead, including four Palestinians and two Israeli soldiers.

The latest developments underscore growing instability across the Middle East as diplomatic efforts continue alongside heightened military preparedness.