Post by : Badri Ariffin

U.S. President Donald Trump said the United States and Iran have agreed to continue diplomatic talks despite a sharp rise in tensions this week. However, he declared that the ceasefire reached between the two sides last month is no longer in effect.

Posting on his Truth Social platform, Trump said Iran had requested that discussions continue and that the United States had agreed. At the same time, he stressed that Washington had made it clear that the ceasefire was over. "The Islamic Republic of Iran has asked us to continue 'talks.' We have agreed to do so, but the United States has stated to them, in no uncertain terms, that the Cease Fire is OVER!"

Iran rejected Trump's description of the situation. According to Iranian state television, Tehran said it had not asked for direct talks with the United States but had agreed to receive a Qatari mediator.

Regional Calm Follows Days of Escalation

Trump's remarks came after several days of renewed conflict in the Gulf. During the week, three commercial tankers from Qatar and Saudi Arabia came under fire. In response, the United States carried out strikes on Iranian sites, while Iran launched attacks on U.S. military locations in Gulf states.

No new attacks were reported on Friday, providing a temporary period of calm as regional mediators worked to reduce tensions. Diplomatic efforts are aimed at permanently ending the conflict, which began on February 28 with U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran.

A person familiar with the discussions told Reuters that Qatari negotiators met Iranian officials on Friday to discuss reducing tensions and issues related to the Strait of Hormuz.

Trump Warns Iran Against Any Assassination Attempt

Trump also issued a strong warning to Iran, saying he had instructed the U.S. military to be prepared for military action if Tehran carried out or attempted an assassination against him.

In another Truth Social post, Trump wrote: "1000 Missiles are Locked and Loaded and aimed at the Islamic Republic of Iran, with thousands of more to immediately follow, should the Iranian Government act on its threat, pronounced in many corners of the Globe, to assassinate, or attempt to assassinate, the sitting President of the United States of America, in this case, ME!"

He added that orders had already been issued and said the U.S. military was ready to "completely decimate and destroy all areas of Iran" for a one-year period if necessary.

Earlier this week, According to U.S. media reports that Israel had shared intelligence with Washington claiming Iran had recently developed a plan to assassinate Trump.

Funeral Crowd Displays Anti-Trump Banners

At the funeral of Iran's slain Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Thursday, large crowds gathered in mourning. Some participants carried banners reading, "We Will Kill Trump."

Khamenei was killed in an airstrike on the first day of the war.

Strait of Hormuz Becomes Main Diplomatic Focus

The Strait of Hormuz remains at the center of ongoing diplomatic efforts.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi is expected to visit Oman to discuss arrangements for the safe movement of ships through the strategic waterway, according to Iran's semi-official ISNA news agency, citing the foreign ministry spokesperson.

Senior U.S. officials said Washington is demanding that Iran publicly declare it will stop attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz and guarantee that all shipping lanes remain open without tolls.

Before the conflict, the Strait of Hormuz handled about one-fifth of global oil supplies. During the war, Tehran has largely controlled the waterway, creating a prolonged standoff with the United States.

Casualties Reported After U.S. Airstrikes

Iran's Health Ministry said at least 17 people were killed and 115 others were wounded in U.S. strikes carried out across six Iranian cities on Wednesday and Thursday.

Despite the military exchanges, U.S. officials said recent discussions between Washington and Tehran had been productive.

Iran's foreign ministry spokesperson said any violation of commitments by the United States would receive a "reciprocal action," according to state media.

Oil Prices Rise as Conflict Continues

The interim agreement reached last month was intended to move both sides toward ending the conflict, which has now entered its fifth month.

The renewed fighting has disrupted energy markets and increased concerns over global economic conditions. After several weeks of falling prices, crude oil recorded its biggest weekly increase in eight weeks, adding pressure on U.S. consumers ahead of November congressional elections.

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