WASHINGTON — The US is continuing to “aggressively” strike Iran after President Trump imposed a five-day pause on attacks against Tehran’s energy infrastructure following “very good and productive conversations” with the crumbling regime.
US Central Command made clear that non-energy targets within Iran are still very much in play as Trump conveys optimism about the possibility of cutting some sort of deal with the Islamic Republic by the end of the week.
“U.S. forces continue to aggressively strike Iranian military targets with precision munitions,” CENTCOM declared on social media with footage of a facility getting blown up.
US Central Command, which coordinates American military operations in the Middle East, did not disclose what specific target was struck in the video.
Earlier in the day, Trump announced that after two days of negotiations with representatives of Iran, he has decided to halt attacks on Tehran’s power plants and infrastructure for five days.
The announcement, which came shortly before the New York Stock Exchange opened, prompted a massive rebound within the stock market, prompting the Dow Jones to jump over 630 points after weeks of decline.
But key officials in Iran quickly disputed Trump’s claims, with Iran’s Parliamentary Speaker Mohammad Bager Galibaf denying that talks took place.
“No negotiations have been held with the US, and fake news is used to manipulate the financial and oil markets and escape the quagmire in which the US and Israel are trapped,” he said.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry also hit back at Trump’s claims, telling state media that: “Remarks by the US president are part of efforts to reduce energy prices and buy time to implement his military plans.”
Trump didn’t disclose the Iranian official with whom his administration held talks, fretting that he couldn’t divulge that because “I don’t want them to be killed.” He claimed that special envoy Steve Witkoff held the talks for his administration.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi acknowledged before Trump’s announcement that he had talks with his Turkish counterpart. In the past, Turkey has mediated negotiations between the US and Iran.
“The communication, as you know, has been blown to pieces. They were unable to talk to each other, but we’ve had very strong talks,” Trump said of Iran.
“If it goes well, we’re going to end up settling this. Otherwise, we just keep bombing our little hearts out.”
The president also stressed that the US wants “the nuclear dust.”
America’s Operation Epic Fury attacks on Iran began on Feb. 28. Trump is seeking a $200 billion military supplemental package from Congress to replenish America’s military stockpiles.
