world 24 March 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Iran Dismisses Trump's Negotiation Claims Amid Israel-Iran Airstrike Escalation
Iran's military leadership mocked U.S. President Donald Trump's assertions of ongoing negotiations, insisting no deal is possible, as Israel and Iran traded airstrikes on key targets. The conflict, now four weeks old, continues to disrupt global energy markets with attacks on infrastructure and U.S. bases. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/world/iran-rejects-trump-s-talk-of-negotiation-as-israel-and-iran-launch-airstrikes-5402132
Israel and Iran intensified their conflict with mutual airstrikes on Wednesday, targeting urban areas and military sites. Israel’s forces hit infrastructure in Tehran, while Iran’s Revolutionary Guards unleashed missile barrages on Tel Aviv, Kiryat Shmona, and U.S. bases in Kuwait, Jordan, and Bahrain.
Iran’s joint military command, led by hardliners, rejected Trump’s claims of progress in U.S.-Iran talks. Spokesperson Ebrahim Zolfaqari quipped on state TV that Trump was ‘negotiating with himself,’ emphasizing irreconcilable differences and past U.S. attacks during prior discussions.
The war, dubbed ‘Operation Epic Fury’ by the U.S., erupted after failed nuclear talks in late February. It has caused thousands of deaths, closed the Strait of Hormuz—disrupting 20% of global oil flows—and triggered historic energy shocks with soaring fuel prices.
Reports emerged of a U.S. 15-point plan sent to Tehran, proposing a month-long ceasefire, nuclear dismantlement, an end to proxy support like Hezbollah, and reopening the strait. Markets reacted positively with rising stocks and falling oil prices, though Pentagon plans to deploy thousands more troops signal escalation risks.
Kuwait and Saudi Arabia repelled drone assaults, including one igniting a fuel tank at Kuwait’s airport. Pakistan offered to host U.S.-Iran talks amid the turmoil.
This article is based on reporting from Daily Monitor (Uganda).