Trump touts Iran talks as Netanyahu arrives

US President Donald Trump has said that Washington is engaged in “very friendly talks” with Tehran as efforts continue

US President Donald Trump has said that Washington is engaged in “very friendly talks” with Tehran as efforts continue to prevent a fresh escalation in the Iran war.

Trump’s remarks came as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrived in Washington for talks with the US president. The meeting is expected to focus heavily on the conflict with Iran and the possibility of reaching a longer-term agreement.

The latest developments come after several days of reduced military activity between the United States and Iran. However, tensions remain high. Both sides continue to issue warnings and maintain their military positions.

Iran has indicated that it remains open to diplomacy. At the same time, Tehran has warned that it is prepared to respond strongly if the United States launches another attack.

Iranian officials have also stressed that Washington will not decide when the country should choose between negotiations and confrontation. Tehran has said that communication with the US is continuing through intermediaries.

Qatar and Pakistan are among the regional countries involved in facilitating communication between the two sides. Iranian officials have described the diplomatic channel as active but uncertain.

Several major issues remain unresolved. The nuclear programme is expected to be one of the central subjects in any future agreement. Sanctions, compensation for war-related damage and security arrangements are also likely to complicate negotiations.

The Strait of Hormuz remains another major obstacle. The strategic waterway is vital for international energy supplies. Iran has insisted on maintaining a significant role in controlling and regulating movement through the strait.

Washington, meanwhile, wants the waterway to return to normal operations. The issue has become an important source of leverage for Tehran and a major concern for the global energy market.

Trump has indicated that he wants an agreement but has also warned that military action could resume if diplomacy fails. His comments have added pressure to the ongoing negotiations.

The situation has also created wider economic concerns. Australia, which relies heavily on imported fuel, is considering plans for a new domestic oil refinery. The proposal comes as disruptions to global energy supplies raise concerns about fuel security.

The conflict has also affected several Gulf states. Saudi Arabia has condemned a reported drone attack by Iran-aligned groups in Iraq targeting Riyadh and energy infrastructure in the kingdom’s Eastern Province.

Satellite imagery has also shown smoke rising from areas in Saudi Arabia after Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthis claimed attacks against oil-related facilities.

Meanwhile, Netanyahu’s visit to Washington has added another layer to the diplomatic situation. Israel took part in the military campaign against Iran alongside the United States but has not been directly involved in the latest US-Iran diplomatic contacts.

The Israeli prime minister is expected to discuss the conflict with Trump. Differences could emerge over the direction of US policy and the possibility of a diplomatic settlement.

The meeting also comes amid continuing Israeli military operations in the occupied West Bank. Israeli forces have carried out further raids in the territory, while former senior Israeli military officials have reportedly urged Trump to pressure Netanyahu to reduce the violence.

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk has also raised concerns over alleged violations of international law in the region. His office has documented incidents in Lebanon and said some could potentially amount to war crimes.

Despite the latest diplomatic activity, the path toward a lasting agreement remains uncertain. Washington and Tehran appear interested in avoiding another major escalation, but serious disagreements continue to stand in the way of a final settlement.

The Strait of Hormuz, Iran’s nuclear programme, sanctions and the consequences of the conflict are likely to remain central to the next phase of negotiations.