The statement came hours before Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi said that \u201cso far, no negotiations have taken place, and I believe our position is completely principled\u201d.<\/p>\n
double quotation markSpeaking of negotiations now is an admission of defeat.<\/p>\n
Donald Trump insisted on Wednesday that Iran was taking part in peace talks, suggesting Tehran\u2019s denials were because Iranian negotiators fear being killed by their own side.<\/p>\n
Wang told Turkey\u2019s foreign minister, Hakan Fidan, during the call that the rights and wrongs of the conflict in the Middle East were \u201ccrystal clear\u201d, offering support to the country in helping to facilitate the resumption of negotiations.<\/p>\n
Turkey has engaged in \u201cintense\u201d diplomatic efforts to end the war by talking to both Washington and Tehran, Fidan said this month.<\/p>\n
Wang said:<\/p>\n
double quotation markProlonging this war would only result in further casualties and needless losses, leading to a further spillover of the conflict.<\/p>\n
Share<\/a><\/p>\n Key events<\/p>\n Show key events only<\/p>\n Please turn on JavaScript to use this feature<\/p>\n An Iranian envoy has said South Korean ships can pass through the strait of Hormuz only after coordinating with Tehran, the Yonhap News Agency has reported.<\/p>\n Such an agreement had to be reached in advance of the transit, said Saeed Khuzechi, the Iranian ambassador to South Korea, at a press conference in response to a question about guarantees for South Korean vessels to navigate the vital conduit for oil.<\/p>\n It was reported that Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi officially requested a list of South Korean ships and detailed information about each vessel during a recent phone call with foreign minister Cho Hyun, Yonhap said.<\/p>\n Iran has effectively blocked the strait, through which about a fifth of the world\u2019s oil supplies usually pass.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Uncertainty over the Iran war has kept oil prices above the $100-a-barrel mark.<\/p>\n At 05.30 GMT, the price of Brent crude was hovering around $104 a barrel, as the US and Iran continue to be at odds over a reported peace plan.<\/p>\n As the 28 March deadline for President Donald Trump\u2019s ultimatum for Iran to reopen the strait of Hormuz approaches, markets are hoping the conflict pivots from brinkmanship towards a de-escalation window.<\/p>\n Over the weekend, the price of Brent \u2013 the benchmark global oil price \u2013 soared to $113 a barrel over fears the conflict was escalating, before dropping this week. Brent crude has risen over 40% since the start of the conflict.<\/p>\n People queuing to refill with fuel at a station in Ahmedabad, India, this week. Photograph: Anadolu\/Getty Images<\/p>\n Shares in western gas suppliers have emerged as beneficiaries of the US-Israeli war on Iran, as investors expect companies with supply routes that bypass the Middle East to reap a windfall from high energy prices. Natural gas futures early on Thursday were sitting just under $3.<\/p>\n While Europe imports relatively little gas directly from Qatar \u2013 the world\u2019s second-largest LNG producer \u2013 the effective closure of the strait has forced Asian buyers to compete with Europe for US cargoes, pushing up global prices.<\/p>\n Share<\/a>Two hurt in attack on central Israeli city \u2013 report<\/p>\n Two people have been lightly hurt from a Iranian cluster bomb hit in the central Israeli city of Kfar Qasim on Thursday morning, the Times of Israel<\/a> is quoting medics as saying.<\/p>\n The Magen David Adom emergency service said it treated a man and a woman \u2013 both aged 55 \u2013 who were hurt from a blast after a bomblet hit a building there, the report<\/a> said.<\/p>\n Medics were scanning other areas in the city where submunitions from the Iranian ballistic missile struck, it said.<\/p>\n The Times said earlier it was the first Iranian attack on Israel in nearly 15 hours.<\/p>\n As mentioned a little earlier<\/a>, the Israeli military said air defences were responding to missile attacks from Iran and sirens had activated across central Israel, parts of Jerusalem and the occupied West Bank.<\/p>\n Israeli air defence system fires to intercept missiles over Tel Aviv, Israel, early on Thursday. Photograph: Ohad Zwigenberg\/APShare<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a002.14 EDT<\/p>\n The Israeli military said air defences were responding to missile attacks from Iran on Thursday, with sirens activated across central Israel<\/a>, parts of Jerusalem and the occupied West Bank.<\/p>\n In two separate statements about 20 minutes apart, the military said it had \u201cidentified missiles launched from Iran<\/a> toward the territory of the state of Israel\u201d.<\/p>\n \u201cDefensive systems are operating to intercept the threat,\u201d said the statements, cited by Agence France-Presse.<\/p>\n After the first attack, the military said people were \u201cnow permitted to leave protected spaces in all areas of the country\u201d.<\/p>\n Israel\u2019s Magen David Adom emergency medical service said there were no reports of casualties.<\/p>\n The attacks came more than 14 hours after the military had previously announced incoming missiles from Iran.<\/p>\n Central Israel came under fire overnight from Lebanon, where Hezbollah<\/a> claimed a series of attacks targeting military sites. Israeli media said six rockets were intercepted.<\/p>\n Share<\/a>Analysis: Gulf states\u2019 scepticism over alleged US-Iran talks signals a distrust of Trump Not long after Donald Trump<\/a> said the US was engaged in \u201cstrong talks\u201d to bring the war with Iran to an end this week, Qatar took the unusual step of distancing itself from the alleged diplomatic negotiations.<\/p>\n Qatar was not involved in any mediation efforts, Majed al-Ansari said at a briefing on Tuesday night, before adding as a telling aside: \u201cIf they exist.\u201d<\/p>\n It signalled a notable break from Qatar\u2019s historic and recurring position as chief mediator in Middle East and wider regional conflicts.<\/p>\n Qatar and fellow Gulf countries have found themselves on the war\u2019s frontlines, but analysts say their reluctance to cheerlead the alleged ceasefire efforts reflect both the heavy toll they continue to suffer from the war as well as a lingering suspicion over whether Trump\u2019s talk of peace is genuine or another foil for escalation.<\/p>\n \u201cThey\u2019ve been burned by their previous experience,\u201d said Bilal Saab, senior managing director of advisory group Trends US and former Pentagon official in the first Trump administration<\/a>.<\/p>\n double quotation markThere\u2019s a lot of pent-up frustration and disappointment that is affecting their willingness, and perhaps even ability, to mediate anything.<\/p>\n The full analysis is here:<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Asian stocks were mostly lower and oil prices gained on Thursday as a de-escalation of the Iran<\/a> war remained uncertain.<\/p>\n Tokyo\u2019s Nikkei 225 was trading 0.3% lower, South Korea\u2019s Kospi lost 1.9%, Hong Kong\u2019s Hang Seng fell 1.4% and the Shanghai Composite index was down 0.6%, the Associated Press reports.<\/p>\n Australia\u2019s S+P\/ASX 200 edged down 0.2%, whileTaiwan\u2019s Taiex was trading 0.4% higher. US futures were down 0.1%.<\/p>\n Oil prices were up again on Thursday after an earlier dip. Brent crude \u2013 the international standard \u2013 rose 1.3% to $98.51 per barrel. It was below $95 on Wednesday. Benchmark US crude was 1.6% higher at $91.75 a barrel.<\/p>\n The rise in oil prices came as Tehran on Wednesday dismissed a ceasefire plan by the US after the Trump administration<\/a> offered a 15-point proposal to Iran.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n The Israeli military has detected a new Iranian ballistic missile attack after a lull of nearly 15 hours, the Times of Israel<\/a> has just reported.<\/p>\n It said:<\/p>\n double quotation markSirens are expected to sound in central Israel and the Jerusalem area in the coming minutes.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a001.00 EDT<\/p>\n An Israeli solder has been seriously injured in mortar fire at its forces in Lebanon<\/a>, Israel\u2019s military says.<\/p>\n In a post on X it said (in a translation):<\/p>\n double quotation markThe fighter was evacuated to receive medical treatment at the hospital, and his family was notified.<\/p>\n Israel has said it will seize parts of southern Lebanon to create what it calls a \u201cdefensive buffer\u201d up to the Litani River, about 30km (20 miles) from the border, and the army has been engaging in ground fighting with Hezbollah<\/a> fighters south of the river.<\/p>\n The army is slowly advancing northwards despite fierce resistance, with soldiers posting videos in the previously contested towns of Taybeh and Khiam.<\/p>\n Israel is also continuing to pound Hezbollah targets across Lebanon. Read more in this full report from William Christou<\/a> in Beirut:<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a000.53 EDT<\/p>\n China sees \u2018glimmer of hope\u2019 for peace<\/p>\n China\u2019s foreign minister has said that a \u201cglimmer of hope\u201d for peace has emerged due to moves to stop the war in the Middle East, despite Tehran vowing to keep fighting.<\/p>\n Wang Yi urged dialogue in separate calls with his Turkish and Egyptian counterparts, suggesting that both Tehran and Washington had shown signals they were willing to return to the negotiating table.<\/p>\n \u201cWith both the United States and Iran<\/a> signalling a willingness to negotiate, a glimmer of hope for peace has emerged,\u201d Wang told Egyptian foreign minister Badr Abdelatty, according to a Beijing readout published late on Wednesday and reported by Agence France-Presse.<\/p>\n The statement came hours before Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi said that \u201cso far, no negotiations have taken place, and I believe our position is completely principled\u201d.<\/p>\n double quotation markSpeaking of negotiations now is an admission of defeat.<\/p>\n Donald Trump insisted on Wednesday that Iran was taking part in peace talks, suggesting Tehran\u2019s denials were because Iranian negotiators fear being killed by their own side.<\/p>\n Wang told Turkey\u2019s foreign minister, Hakan Fidan, during the call that the rights and wrongs of the conflict in the Middle East were \u201ccrystal clear\u201d, offering support to the country in helping to facilitate the resumption of negotiations.<\/p>\n Turkey has engaged in \u201cintense\u201d diplomatic efforts to end the war by talking to both Washington and Tehran, Fidan said this month.<\/p>\n Wang said:<\/p>\n double quotation markProlonging this war would only result in further casualties and needless losses, leading to a further spillover of the conflict.<\/p>\n Share<\/a>Welcome summary<\/p>\n Hello and welcome to our continuing coverage of the US-Israel war on Iran<\/a> and the consequences for the region, the world and the global economy.<\/p>\n Donald Trump has insisted Iran is still interested in a deal, after Tehran dismissed a US ceasefire proposal, countered with a plan of its own and claimed it had no intention to negotiate.<\/p>\n Iranian state TV quoted an anonymous official as saying Tehran had rejected the plan it had received via Pakistan, saying it would \u201cend the war when it decides to do so and when its own conditions are met\u201d. Foreign minister Abbas Araghchi later said the proposals had been \u201cpassed on to the country\u2019s senior authorities\u201d but Iran<\/a> had \u201cno intention of negotiating for now\u201d.<\/p>\n The US president later suggested Tehran\u2019s denials were because Iranian negotiators feared being killed by their own side. \u201cThey are negotiating, by the way, and they want to make a deal so badly, but they\u2019re afraid to say it because they figure they\u2019ll be killed by their own people,\u201d Trump said.<\/p>\n \u201cThey\u2019re also afraid they\u2019ll be killed by us,\u201d he said, before quipping that no one wanted to lead Iran for fear of being assassinated by the US.<\/p>\n The US military said late on Wednesday its forces had hit more than 10,000 targets so far in the Iran war, including destroying 92% of the Iranian navy\u2019s largest vessels. Thousands more targets had been hit by Israeli forces, claimed US Navy Admiral Brad Cooper from US Central Command. \u201cWe have damaged or destroyed over two-thirds of Iran\u2019s missile, drone and naval production facilities and shipyards, and we\u2019re not done yet.\u201d<\/p>\n First responders use an excavator to clean the debris and search for victims at a residential building hit in an strike in Tabriz, in north-western Iran\u2019s East Azerbaijan province, this week. Photograph: Mati Hashemi\/AP<\/p>\n In other developments:<\/p>\n Israel\u2019s military said on Thursday its had carried out a wave of strikes across Iran, including extensively in the central city of Isfahan. It said Israeli forces \u201ccompleted a wide-scale wave of strikes targeting infrastructure of the Iranian terror regime in several areas across Iran\u201d.<\/p>\n Kuwait said it had arrested six people over an alleged Hezbollah plot to assassinate leaders in the Gulf state. The interior ministry said five of those arrested were Kuwaiti citizens. It added that 14 more members of the group had fled the country: five Kuwaitis, five more Kuwaitis whose nationalities have been revoked, two Iranians and two Lebanese.<\/p>\n Iran reportedly received the US\u2019s 15-point plan, which Tehran initially rejected but Araghchi later suggested was still under review. \u201cIf a position needs to be taken, it will certainly be determined,\u201d he said. Earlier it was reported that Tehran had rejected the \u201cexcessive\u201d demands<\/a> in the proposal. Among the demands<\/a> were a complete termination of Iran\u2019s nuclear program and strict limitations on its missile arsenal.<\/p>\n The White House, meanwhile, warned that Trump was prepared to \u201cunleash hell\u201d if Iran did not accept defeat, and continued to insist that negotiations were ongoing. Press secretary Karoline Leavitt Leavitt said the US president preferred a peaceful path but was prepared to \u201chit [Iran] harder than they have ever been hit before\u201d if necessary.<\/p>\n Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Israel would expand its occupation of southern Lebanon, with what he described as a \u201clarger buffer zone\u201d to push back the threat of Hezbollah. The Israeli prime minister\u2019s forces have also continued to bomb Beirut. Many in Lebanon fear that Israel\u2019s plans could echo its previous protracted occupation in the south, which ended in 2000.<\/p>\n Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem said negotiations with Israel under fire would amount to \u201csurrender\u201d as the Iran-backed group launched fresh attacks on the country. Hezbollah said it launched missiles early on Thursday at military sites in central Israel, where air raid sirens sounded, Agence France-Presse reported.<\/p>\n Russia is close to completing a phased shipment of drones, medicine and food to Iran, according to western intelligence reports that detail Moscow\u2019s efforts to keep its embattled partner fighting, the Financial Times reported.<\/p>\n \u201cThe Gaza model must not be replicated in Lebanon,\u201d the UN secretary general, Ant\u00f3nio Guterres, said. He also told the US and Israel it was \u201chigh time\u201d to end the war<\/a> and called on Iran to stop attacking its neighbours.<\/p>\n![\"Hannah](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Hannah_Ellis-Petersen.png\")
Hannah Ellis-Petersen<\/p>\n