Iran has refuted statements by U.S. President Donald Trump suggesting it is seeking a ceasefire agreement, while launching fresh attacks in the Persian Gulf. The United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia reported being targeted by drones and missiles overnight into Monday. Dubai International Airport temporarily suspended flight operations for several hours after a drone strike ignited a fire in a nearby fuel storage tank. The airport has since gradually resumed flights, though Emirates airline announced cancellations for some services that day. The UAE's primary oil export terminal, Fujairah Port, was hit again on Monday, following an earlier attack on Saturday that disrupted loading and unloading operations for approximately one day. Authorities in Abu Dhabi stated that a missile struck a vehicle, resulting in the death of a Palestinian civilian. Following a wave of missile attacks by Iran against Israel, Israel has commenced airstrikes on Tehran's infrastructure. These assaults indicate no de-escalation in the 17-day conflict that began after a joint U.S.-Israel airstrike on Iran on February 28. The Strait of Hormuz remains nearly closed, disrupting global energy supplies. For the first time, Trump has called on major powers—including France, the United Kingdom, and Japan—to deploy naval vessels to escort commercial ships and assist the U.S. in reopening the Strait of Hormuz. So far, no country has expressed willingness to do so. Oil prices have risen again, with Brent crude futures up 1.9% to above $105 per barrel at 12:58 Dubai time. This is likely to increase pressure on Trump. Over the weekend, Trump stated that Iran is prepared to reach a deal to end the war, but the U.S. is demanding more favorable terms, including a commitment from Tehran to abandon nuclear activities. "Iran wants a deal, but I don't, because the terms aren't good enough yet," he said. However, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif denied any effort to negotiate a ceasefire or talks with the United States. "We see no reason to talk with the U.S., especially since they decided to attack us while we were negotiating with them," Zarif said in an interview aired on CBS on Sunday. He added that Iran will continue to defend itself until Trump acknowledges he is waging an "illegal war" with no chance of victory.
Comments