Day 81 of Iran War: Trump Halts Attack; Tehran Says No Surrender
Elizabeth Melimopoulos
US President Donald Trump said he postponed a planned attack on Iran at the request of Gulf allies, while Tehran insists dialogue does not mean surrender. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard attacked US- and Israel-linked groups in Kurdistan. Pakistan mediates indirect talks between Washington and Tehran.
US President Donald Trump said he postponed a planned attack on Iran after receiving requests from the leaders of Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. He said serious negotiations are underway behind the scenes, marking new diplomatic efforts amid escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran.
On the Iranian side, President Masoud Pezeshkian defended Tehran's engagement in dialogue but rejected the notion that the country is backing down under pressure. He emphasized: “Dialogue does not mean surrender,” and insisted Iran negotiates with dignity, authority and protection of national interests.
Developments in Iran
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said it attacked groups linked to the United States and Israel in Kurdistan province, near the border with Iraq, as these groups attempted to smuggle a large shipment of US weapons and ammunition into Iran. The IRGC also said it could bring fiber-optic cables transiting the Strait of Hormuz into its licensing system as Tehran tightens control over the waterway.
Mohsen Rezaei, a member of Iran’s Expediency Discernment Council, mocked Trump for setting and then canceling a deadline for a military strike, insisting Tehran will not surrender under pressure. He warned that the “iron fist” of Iran’s armed forces and people would force the United States “to retreat and surrender.” Major General Ali Abdollahi, commander of the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, warned the US and its allies not to make any more “strategic mistakes,” declaring that Iranian forces are stronger than before and any aggression would face a stronger response.
War Diplomacy
Pakistan is playing a central role in indirect negotiations between Washington and Tehran, with Iran saying it sent a response to the latest US proposal through Islamabad. Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani also expressed support for Pakistan’s mediation efforts.
In the United States
President Trump hailed a “very positive development” in talks with Iran that convinced him to postpone an attack. He said Middle Eastern allies told him they are very close to reaching a deal that would leave Iran without nuclear weapons. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced the US extended sanctions waivers on Russian crude oil shipments at sea for 30 more days due to soaring global energy prices.
Matt Duss, executive vice president of the Center for International Policy, said Trump’s demand that Iran accept not enriching uranium is a “poison pill” pushed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Washington hawks. He said talks could resume if Trump changes his stance. Al Jazeera correspondent Mike Hanna in Washington noted that the war is becoming an increasingly big political problem for Trump as Americans face rising living costs. Former US Ambassador to Algeria Henry Ensher said Trump is under pressure not to launch further attacks because “there are no good military options.”
In Lebanon, Gaza and Iraq
In Lebanon, Israeli attacks have killed more than 3,000 people since March 2, according to the country’s Ministry of Public Health. Among them are 211 people aged 18 or younger and 116 health workers. Hezbollah said it attacked Israeli soldiers with drones in the town of Rachaf in retaliation for Israeli airstrikes.
In Iraq, Iraqi forces launched a large-scale sweep in western desert regions after unconfirmed reports of secret Israeli military bases. The Iraqi government denies the existence of any unauthorized foreign bases on its territory. In the West Bank, Israeli forces raided several areas in Ramallah, including the villages of al-Mughayyir and Abu Falah, leading to clashes.
Organizations of the Global Sumud Flotilla said Israeli forces continue to block aid-carrying ships bound for Gaza on international waters. The ship Perseverance, carrying volunteers from Australia, Belgium, Canada and France, was attacked and its crew detained. About 30 ships are still en route after at least 47 ships were seized. Malaysia, Qatar and Turkey have condemned Israel’s actions.
