Capitals, May 10 (SANA) U.S. President Donald Trump said Washington expects an Iranian response “very soon” to proposals aimed at ending the U.S.-Israeli-Iranian war, as the United States continues intensifying military and economic pressure on Tehran amid regional diplomatic efforts to prevent broader escalation.
Trump said Tehran “really wants to make a deal,” while U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that Washington is awaiting an official Iranian reply to proposals aimed at ending the conflict and launching a new negotiating process.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry said the proposals remain under review, while Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi accused Washington of combining diplomacy with “military pressure,” saying continued U.S. escalation raises doubts about the seriousness of negotiations.
The tensions have coincided with increased military activity in the Strait of Hormuz, where Iranian forces warned they were prepared to target U.S. bases and vessels if Iranian ships come under attack.
The U.S. military said it continues enforcing a naval blockade on Iran and has redirected dozens of commercial vessels and disrupted four ships since the operation began last month as part of what it described as “full maritime pressure” on Tehran.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations agency also reported that a cargo vessel was struck by an unidentified projectile northeast of Doha, causing a small fire that was later extinguished without injuries.
Regional diplomatic efforts have meanwhile intensified, with Pakistan, Qatar and other regional states seeking to support negotiations and prevent wider conflict.
Israeli officials have expressed concern over the possibility of a temporary agreement between Washington and Tehran that could allow Iran to retain parts of its nuclear and missile capabilities, according to Israeli media reports.
In Lebanon, Israeli strikes continued across several areas, while Israeli media reported that upcoming talks between Lebanon and Israel in Washington are expected to address border issues, security arrangements and the disarmament of Hezbollah.
N.J/ABD
