WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump’s administration has rejected overtures from key Middle Eastern allies seeking to initiate diplomatic negotiations to de-escalate the conflict with Iran, according to three sources with direct knowledge of the discussions. The rejection comes as the war, sparked by a large-scale U.S.-Israeli military assault two weeks ago, continues to escalate, with Iran maintaining a hardline stance and global oil markets reeling.
Iran has, in turn, signaled it will not consider any ceasefire until U.S. And Israeli military operations cease entirely, and demands are met, including compensation for damages, according to two senior Iranian sources. Several nations have attempted to mediate, but have found both Washington and Tehran unwilling to engage in substantive talks.
The impasse suggests both sides are preparing for a protracted conflict, despite the mounting civilian casualties – exceeding 2,000, primarily in Iran – and the severe disruption to global energy supplies. Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global oil transport, has already caused significant price increases and raised fears of a wider economic crisis.
Recent U.S. Strikes targeting Iran’s Kharg Island oil export hub on Friday night underscored the Trump administration’s commitment to continuing military pressure. Mojtaba Khamenei, who succeeded his father Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as Iran’s Supreme Leader following his death in the initial U.S.-Israeli strikes, has vowed to maintain the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and threatened further attacks on neighboring countries.
Oman, which previously played a mediating role between the U.S. And Iran, has made multiple attempts to establish communication channels, but these efforts have been rebuffed by the White House, sources said. A senior White House official confirmed Trump’s disinterest in negotiations, stating the administration remains focused on weakening Iran’s military capabilities. “He’s not interested in that right now, and we’re going to continue with the mission unabated. Maybe there’s a day, but not right now,” the official said.
Trump himself has publicly signaled his unwillingness to compromise. In a recent post on his Truth Social platform, he claimed Iranian leadership was seeking talks after suffering significant losses from U.S.-Israeli strikes, but dismissed the overture as “Too Late!” His history of unpredictable policy shifts, however, leaves open the possibility of a future change in approach.
“President Trump said new potential leadership in Iran has indicated they want to talk and eventually will talk. For now, Operation Epic Fury continues unabated,” a second senior White House official stated.
Egypt has also attempted to reopen lines of communication, according to three security and diplomatic sources, but with limited success. Even as these efforts haven’t yielded a breakthrough, they have reportedly secured some degree of restraint from neighboring countries potentially vulnerable to Iranian retaliation.
The escalating conflict is having a tangible impact on the U.S. Economy, particularly through rising oil prices. Internally, the Trump administration is facing a debate over the war’s duration. Some officials and advisors are urging a swift resolution, warning that surging gasoline prices could damage the Republican Party’s prospects in upcoming midterm elections. Others advocate for maintaining the offensive to dismantle Iran’s missile program and prevent the development of nuclear weapons.
Iran’s position has hardened in recent days, according to a third senior Iranian source. “Whatever was communicated previously through the diplomatic channels is irrelevant now,” the source said. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), a powerful paramilitary force with significant economic influence, is particularly resolute in its stance. “The Guards strongly believe that if they lose control over the Strait of Hormuz, Iran will lose the war,” the source added. “the Guards will not accept any ceasefire, ceasefire talks, or diplomatic efforts, and Iran’s political leaders will not engage in such talks despite attempts by several countries.”
Earlier attempts at backchannel negotiations, involving Iran’s top security official Ali Larijani and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, and intended to include U.S. Vice President JD Vance, have also failed to materialize.
The governments of Egypt, Oman, and Iran did not respond to requests for comment.
