Trump insists, strikes all over the place… The situation on the 27th day of the war in the Middle East

Conflict in the Middle East escalates on its 27th day

• The conflict in the Middle East entered its 27th day on Thursday.
• Israel carried out “large-scale” strikes on Iran, while Tehran retaliated.
• On the diplomatic front, Washington states that discussions “continue” with Tehran, which denies and rejects the American peace plan.

Nearly a month after the conflict began, the war in the Middle East shows no signs of de-escalation. This Thursday, Israel struck Iran “on a large scale” while Tehran retaliated by bombing Israel and its Gulf neighbors. Diplomatically, positions currently remain irreconcilable. Here is an update on the latest developments of this war entering its 27th day on Thursday, March 26.

Israel strikes Iran “on a large scale”

The Israeli Defense Forces carried out “large-scale” strikes on several areas of Iranian territory, including Isfahan, in the center of the country, specifically targeting “Iranian terrorist regime infrastructure in multiple locations in the country.” The Fars news agency reported that two residential areas of the city were hit.

Iran retaliates towards Israel and the Gulf countries

Subsequently, Iranian missiles were fired towards Israel. Sirens sounded in the center of the country, Jerusalem, and the West Bank. “Anti-aircraft defense systems are in action to intercept the threat,” said the Israeli army. The United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait also faced attacks from Iranian drones and missiles. In Kuwait, six individuals linked to Hezbollah were arrested, accused of preparing “assassinations” in the emirate.

Negotiations: Washington says yes, Tehran says no

It’s a case of talking past each other. Donald Trump claims that discussions with Iran “continue” and are “productive,” but suggests that Iranian leaders fear admitting they truly want to reach an agreement due to potential reprisals. On the other side, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi was blunt. Iran has “no intention to negotiate,” but to “continue to resist.” Tehran also rejected the U.S. 15-point plan transmitted through Pakistan.

Hope, however, seems to be on the horizon for Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who perceives “signals” from both sides in favor of talks. “Both the United States and Iran have signaled negotiations, hinting at a glimmer of hope for peace,” he told his Egyptian counterpart. This interpretation is not shared by Washington or Tehran at the moment.

Europe expresses concern

In Europe, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius echoed comments from French Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces Emmanuel Mandon, who stated Wednesday that the “American ally is becoming increasingly less visible.” Pistorius expressed concerns about the lack of consultation, strategy, clear objectives, and most importantly, an exit strategy in this war. “We do not want to be drawn into this war,” he concluded.