Trump Rejects Mediation Efforts.. And Iran: "We Will Not Negotiate Under Fire"

SadaNews - Three informed sources reported that the U.S. administration, led by President Donald Trump, has rejected the efforts of allies in the Middle East to initiate diplomatic negotiations aimed at ending the war with Iran, which began two weeks ago with a wide-ranging U.S.-Israeli airstrike and continues to this day.

Two senior Iranian sources mentioned today, Saturday, that Tehran has refused the possibility of reaching any ceasefire until U.S. and Israeli attacks stop, adding that several countries have sought to mediate to end the conflict, according to Reuters.

The sources also clarified that Oman, which mediated talks prior to the war, has repeatedly tried to open channels of communication, but the White House has made it clear that it is not interested.

Meanwhile, a senior White House official confirmed that Trump rejected those efforts to initiate talks, stating that he is focused on proceeding with the war to weaken Tehran's military capabilities.

The official said, "He is not interested in that right now, and we will continue our mission without pause. Maybe there will come a day, but not now."

This comes as U.S. attacks on the Iranian island of Kharg, the country's main oil export hub, last night indicated Trump's determination to proceed with his military offensive, according to observers.

They noted that Washington's and Tehran's lack of interest suggests that both sides are preparing for a prolonged conflict, even as the war expands, resulting in civilian casualties and Iran closing the Strait of Hormuz, leading to rising oil prices.

Meanwhile, the new Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei vowed to keep the strait closed and threatened to escalate attacks on neighboring countries.