A War of Words and Weapons
President Donald Trump declared victory in the Iran war on Tuesday from the Oval Office, claiming Tehran had offered a “very significant prize” to reach a deal — even as Iranian officials flatly denied any negotiations were taking place and missiles continued to fly in both directions across the Middle East.
“We’ve won this. This war has been won,” Trump told reporters during a ceremony at the White House, suggesting that Iran was eager to make a peace deal and that Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio were personally leading negotiations with Iranian counterparts.
But Iran’s Foreign Ministry pushed back hard, stating there was “no dialogue” between Tehran and Washington since the bombing campaign began 26 days ago. Iranian state media called Trump’s announcement of talks “an attempt to escape his recent threat on Iran’s power infrastructure.”
The dramatic contradiction between Washington’s optimism and Tehran’s defiance has left the world guessing — is a deal genuinely in sight, or is this diplomatic theater while both sides prepare for the next escalation?
Missiles Hit Tel Aviv as Israel Launches New Wave of Tehran Strikes
Even as Trump spoke of peace, the war raged with devastating intensity. The Israeli military announced it had begun “a wave of strikes” across Tehran early Wednesday morning (local time), targeting Iranian government infrastructure in the capital.
Iran responded with multiple barrages of missiles, including strikes that hit Tel Aviv. Israeli emergency service personnel were photographed gathering at the site of an Iranian missile strike in the city — a grim reminder that despite weeks of bombardment, Iran’s missile capability has not been fully neutralized.
The International Atomic Energy Agency confirmed yet another projectile struck Iran’s Bushehr nuclear power plant, adding to growing international concerns about nuclear contamination. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard also reported a strike on a gas supply line feeding a power station in southwest Iran, suggesting the U.S. and Israel are expanding their target list to include energy infrastructure.
According to the Institute for the Study of War, the Israel Defense Forces have destroyed or rendered inaccessible approximately 330 of Iran’s estimated 470 ballistic missile launchers — about 70% of its arsenal. The IDF destroyed over half in direct strikes, while the remaining disabled launchers are buried in currently inaccessible underground missile facilities.
82nd Airborne Deploys as U.S. Military Buildup Continues
Despite the peace rhetoric, the Pentagon is doubling down on force projection. President Trump has approved the deployment of more than 1,000 soldiers from the elite 82nd Airborne Division to the Middle East, along with thousands of U.S. Marines. The commander and some staff of the 82nd Airborne are already en route.
The military buildup sends a clear signal: Washington is preparing for a prolonged engagement regardless of any diplomatic overtures. NPR confirmed that the Israeli military wants to keep fighting Iran for “several more weeks” to achieve its war aims — a timeline that could extend well past Trump’s newly set March 27 deadline.
The U.S. death toll in Operation Epic Fury now stands at least 13 service members, including seven killed in combat and six who died in a military plane crash in Iraq on March 15. The human cost continues to mount on both sides, with Iranian civilian casualties from airstrikes and Israeli civilians injured by missile impacts.
The 15-Point Peace Plan and Pakistan’s Offer
The diplomatic picture became more complex Tuesday when sources confirmed the United States had sent Iran a 15-point settlement proposal aimed at ending the war. The plan was reportedly transmitted through Pakistani intermediaries — Pakistan being one of the few nations with warm relations with both Washington and Tehran.
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif publicly offered on social media to host peace talks, tagging both Trump and Iranian officials. An Israeli official told NPR that planning was underway for talks in Pakistan later this week, though neither the U.S. nor Iran publicly confirmed this.
Trump had initially threatened to “obliterate” Iran’s power plants if Tehran didn’t reopen the Strait of Hormuz — a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments. On Monday, he posted on Truth Social that he had ordered a five-day delay on strikes against energy infrastructure, citing “productive conversations.”
“They want peace,” Trump said. “They’ve agreed they will not have a nuclear weapon. But we’ll see.” He said there’s a “very good chance” a deal will be reached this week.
Iran, however, has threatened to completely blockade the Strait of Hormuz and attack the energy infrastructure of U.S. allies in the Middle East if its power plants are targeted — a move that could send global oil prices into uncharted territory.
Oil Markets React to Diplomatic Signals
Global oil markets swung wildly on the diplomatic signals. Brent crude, the international benchmark, dropped nearly 6% to $98.30 a barrel after reports of the peace plan emerged — falling below $100 for the first time in almost two weeks. West Texas Intermediate, the U.S. benchmark, fell 5% to $87.72.
The price drops offered temporary relief to consumers worldwide who have been battered by soaring fuel costs since Operation Epic Fury began on February 28. But analysts cautioned that prices could spike again if talks collapse or if Iran follows through on threats to mine the Persian Gulf.
Lebanon Expels Iranian Envoy as Regional Fallout Spreads
The regional consequences of the war continued to expand Tuesday. Lebanon expelled Iran’s ambassador — a dramatic diplomatic move that would have been unthinkable just months ago, when Hezbollah, Iran’s most powerful proxy, dominated Lebanese politics.
Saudi Arabia’s defense ministry reported detecting two ballistic missiles fired toward the Riyadh area, while an Iranian projectile landed near Australia’s Al Minhad Air Base in the United Arab Emirates. The war’s footprint now stretches across the entire Gulf region, pulling in nations that had hoped to stay on the sidelines.
Israel also announced plans to occupy parts of southern Lebanon, a move that could open an entirely new front in the conflict and further complicate any peace negotiations.
What Happens Next?
The next 72 hours are critical. Trump’s extended deadline of March 27 for Iran to demonstrate willingness to negotiate looms large. If talks are genuinely underway through Pakistani back-channels, the world may see a framework for a ceasefire by week’s end.
But the facts on the ground tell a different story. Israel wants weeks more of fighting. The 82nd Airborne is deploying. Iran is still launching missiles. And Tehran insists no talks are happening.
Since Operation Epic Fury began on February 28 — the same day a joint U.S.-Israeli strike killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, with his son Mojtaba Khamenei later taking power — the conflict has claimed at least 13 American service members, devastated Iran’s military infrastructure, and sent shockwaves through global energy markets.
Whether Trump’s declaration of victory is premature or prophetic may well be determined before the week is out. The world is watching — and holding its breath.