Trump and Iran Exchange Messages After 40-Day Conflict

Donald Trump and Iranian officials are exchanging indirect messages via mediators in Pakistan, Qatar, and Oman to navigate the aftermath of a 40-day war. Trump acknowledged that Iran is seeking talks and expressed a willingness to listen, though he maintained that the U.S. will not compromise on preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon. He claimed recent U.S. military actions significantly degraded Iranian capabilities, alleging the loss of 250 jets and 159 boats, though no evidence was provided for these figures.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei confirmed that communication channels remain open but accused the U.S. of violating a 14-point memorandum of understanding signed June 18. Baghaei alleged the U.S. launched military attacks before a 30-day implementation period expired and failed to release frozen Iranian assets.

Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced Iran intends to enter a period of confidence-building to restore relations with Persian Gulf countries. Araghchi defended Iranian strikes on American bases and facilities in Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia as acts of self-defense in response to U.S. and Israeli attacks. He argued that regional stability should be managed collectively rather than through foreign military powers.