US Iran war highlights: Trump says Iran ‘dying to make a deal'; Air defence sounds heard in parts of Tehran

President Donald Trump speaks to reporters in the Oval Office of the White House,

US Iran war highlights: Air defences were heard in the Iranian capital, Tehran on Thursday night but the cause was unknown, Iranian media reported. Donald Trump on Thursday said that “despite a military operation”, he would not call it a war. “Iran is dying to make a deal.. Their Navy is gone, their Air Force is gone, and every ounce of any form of equipment practically is gone,” Trump said.

Israeli defense minister Israel Katz says while Israel supports the US diplomatic efforts with Iran, it may “soon be required to act again” to remove the “existential threats” posed by the Islamic Republic, according to the Times of Israel.

“Iran has suffered extremely severe blows over the past year, blows that have set it back years in all areas,” says Katz during a ceremony promoting the next Israeli Air Force chief, Omer Tischler, to the rank of major general.

Mojtaba Khamenei on US-Israel-Iran war

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei said on Thursday that the country will safeguard its “nuclear and missile capabilities” as a core national asset, signalling a hardening stance as US President Donald Trump pushes for a broader agreement to stabilise the fragile three-week ceasefire.

Khamenei emphasised Iran’s strategic priorities in a written statement broadcast on state television.

He said the only place Americans belonged in the Persian Gulf is "at the bottom of its waters" and declared that a “new chapter” was unfolding in the region’s history.

Iranian President's remarks on naval blockade

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has warned that any attempt to impose a naval blockade on Iran or restrict its ports is “doomed to failure.” This came amid reports that the United States is preparing an extended pressure campaign under President Donald Trump.

Pezeshkian said such measures violate international law and threaten regional stability, as per Iranian media.

“Any attempt to impose a naval blockade and restrictions is contrary to international law and against the interests of the nations of the region and global peace and stability, and is doomed to failure,” Pezeshkian said.

He made the remarks on National Persian Gulf Day, calling the Strait of Hormuz a symbol of Iran’s resistance.

Trump earlier said Washington’s blockade of Iranian ports has been successful and asked Tehran to “just give up” amid tensions over sanctions and energy markets.

Iranian Parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf dismissed the US pressure campaign as ineffective, calling it “junk advice.” Iranian military officials said their restraint so far is “intended to give diplomacy a chance.”

$25 billion war bill so far

The price tag for the US war on Iran has officially landed on Capitol Hill. The war, now in its third month, has already cost the US $25 billion in munitions. The Donald Trump administration is now seeking an an extra $1.5 trillion for its defence budget to keep hostilities moving.

US defence secretary Pete Hegseth, at his first appearance before Congress since the February 28 US-Israeli strikes, said internal dissent was a major obstacle in the war on Iran. Lawmakers critical of the administration's actions are the “biggest adversary,” he said.

The stalled peace talks between US and Iran

Peace talks between the US and Iran have moved from Pakistan to the telephone. While US President Trump claims negotiations have "come a long way," his recent social media warnings for Iran to "get smart" seemingly do not suggest the same. Pakistan prepares to receive a revised Iranian peace proposal this Friday.

Trump-Putin call

US President Trump and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin spoke on the phone for about 90 minutes on Wednesday. The two leaders discussed the Ukraine and Iran wars and possible ceasefire options, Reuters reported. After the call, Trump said Putin offered to help deal with Iran’s enriched uranium stockpiles.

"I said I'd much rather have you be involved with ending the war with Ukraine," Trump reportedly told Putin. "I ​said, before you help ​me, I want ⁠to end your war," said Trump.

Strait of Hormuz tensions

The US continues a blockade of Iranian ports in and around the Strait of Hormuz, while preparing to extend it for the foreseeable future. Iran has responded with warnings of “swift action” if US forces move closer. The waterway, critical for global oil supply, remains closed as both sides harden positions.

The regional reality of the war on Iran is growing increasingly grim. From a still-under-investigation US Tomahawk strike that killed 170 people at an Iranian girls' school to the loss of contact with aid boats in international waters, the human cost is mounting. Over 3,500 people, including women and at least 244 children, have died in strikes, as per US-based rights group HRANA.

Israeli attacks on Lebanon

Israel has also continued its bombardment of Lebanon despite a US-brokered ceasefire. Israel says it has no plans to take territory in Lebanon, even as it continues bombing the south. Israeli foreign minister Gideon Saar said the presence of Israeli forces is only for security, not expansion.