Sources Say US and Iran Unlikely to Halt Fire, Middle East Conflict May Prove Long-Lasting

On March 15, Reuters reported that three sources familiar with the situation said the Trump administration rejected attempts by Middle Eastern allies to launch diplomatic talks aimed at ending the Iran conflict. Two senior Iranian officials stated Iran, in turn, has ruled out any ceasefire until U.S. attacks cease, adding several countries have tried to mediate an end to the violence. Washington and Tehran show little interest in talks, signaling both sides are preparing for a prolonged conflict—even as escalating violence has killed civilians and Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz has sent oil prices surging. A U.S. strike late Friday on Iran’s key oil export hub on Khark Island underscored Trump’s resolve to press ahead with his military offensive. Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had previously vowed to block the Strait of Hormuz and threatened to step up attacks on neighboring countries.