...
By Peter Aitken
Politics Weekend Editor
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
President Donald Trump on Saturday said he has rebuffed efforts by allies in the Middle East to start diplomatic talks with Iran to end the war, according to Reuters.
However, that lack of interest appears mutual. Reuters cited three sources familiar with the push from Mideast allies, but also two Iranian sources who say that Tehran has no interest in broaching the subject of peace at this time even as several countries make appeals to each side, both of whom appear settled in for an extended conflict.
Newsweek reached out to the White House and the Iranian Foreign Ministry by email on Saturday afternoon for comment.
Read More on World
Why It Matters
Last month, the U.S. and Israel targeted key military targets in Iran and killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other government leaders. Iran responded by launching missiles and drones targeting Israel and several Gulf Arab states that host U.S. armed forces.
The lack of interest in any peace talks will distress allies across the region after the U.S. carried out strikes on Kharg Island on Friday where Iran refines around 90 percent of its crude oil. Meanwhile, Tehran continues to hit oil refining facilities in regional neighbors.
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine said the U.S. is targeting Iran’s ability to lay mines in the Strait of Hormuz, which normally carries 20 percent of global oil as Iran’s new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has vowed to keep blocking the strait, rattling energy markets.
The United Arab Emirates' Fujairah, a major hub for crude oil exports, suspended some operations after a drone attack and fire, according to industry and trade sources, and some Gulf countries, including Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait, have declared force majeure on gas exports as they halt production—a clause in their contracts with trading partners that allows them to be excused from exporting oil while handling events beyond their control.
...
What To Know
Oman has attempted to mediate talks between Washington and Tehran, continuing efforts started before the war and suspended upon the joint U.S.-Israeli strikes. Egypt has also attempted to reopen communications to no avail.
A senior White House official confirmed to Reuters Trump remains focused with pressing on with the war effort, determined to further weaken Tehran's military capabilities.
"He's not interested in that right now, and we're going to continue with the mission unabated. Maybe there's a day, but not right now," the official said.
A second senior White House official told the outlet the president "said new potential leadership in Iran has indicated they want to talk and eventually will talk. For now, Operation Epic Fury continues unabated," even as Iranian officials insist they, too, have rejected any appeals from regional neighbors to engage in peace talks until the U.S. and Israel cease their airstrikes.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said Saturday that he saw no serious initiative to resume negotiations between the U.S. and Iran, but that he believe Iran could be open to back-channel talks.
“The conditions are not very much conducive” to diplomacy now, Fidan said, adding that the Iranians "feel betrayed" because they were involved in active negotiations with the U.S. when Washington launched its attack, but remains convinced "they are open to any sensible back-channel diplomacy."
When Will The Iran War End?
The U.S. timeline remains in flux, as officials, including Trump himself, had suggested the war could last for weeks before the president started to discuss a quick end, only for Washington and Tehran to continue escalating the conflict.
Iran last week effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, stranding millions of barrels-worth of oil on tankers that cannot transit the narrow chokepoint. The move caused oil and gas prices to spike: Oil topped $100 a barrel for the first time in four years, and the national average for gas in the U.S. has hit $3.675 as of March 14.
Trump responded by ordering the destruction of Kharg Island's defenses, noting he left the oil refining facilities untouched "for now," but he would order their destruction should Iran continue to block passage for ships through Hormuz.
However, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in an interview with MS Now on Saturday said the strait remains open to all except “tankers and ships belonging to our enemies, to those who are attacking us and their allies."
What People Are Saying
President Donald Trump on Truth Social: "Many Countries, especially those who are affected by Iran’s attempted closure of the Hormuz Strait, will be sending War Ships, in conjunction with the United States of America, to keep the Strait open and safe. We have already destroyed 100% of Iran’s Military capability, but it’s easy for them to send a drone or two, drop a mine, or deliver a close range missile somewhere along, or in, this Waterway, no matter how badly defeated they are. Hopefully China, France, Japan, South Korea, the UK, and others, that are affected by this artificial constraint, will send Ships to the area so that the Hormuz Strait will no longer be a threat by a Nation that has been totally decapitated. In the meantime, the United States will be bombing the hell out of the shoreline, and continually shooting Iranian Boats and Ships out of the water. One way or the other, we will soon get the Hormuz Strait OPEN, SAFE, and FREE!"
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on X: "Touted US security umbrella has proven to be full of holes and inviting rather than deterring trouble. US is now begging others, even China, to help it make Hormuz safe. Iran calls on brotherly neighbors to expel foreign aggressors, especially as their only concern is Israel."
This article includes reporting by The Associated Press.
Update 3/14/26, 4:10 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information.
In a polarized era, the center is dismissed as bland. At Newsweek, ours is different: The Courageous Center—it's not "both sides," it's sharp, challenging and alive with ideas. We follow facts, not factions. If that sounds like the kind of journalism you want to see thrive, we need you.
When you become a Newsweek Member, you support a mission to keep the center strong and vibrant. Members enjoy: Ad-free browsing, exclusive content and editor conversations. Help keep the center courageous. Join today.
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines