WASHINGTON/TEHRAN, July 28 — The United States resumed airstrikes on Iran overnight, ending a brief ceasefire and reigniting a conflict that is now approaching its 40-day mark, even as President Donald Trump suggested there is a “good chance” of reaching a diplomatic deal with Tehran.
The strikes were briefly paused two nights ago to allow space for indirect negotiations. Iranian military spokesman Mohammad Akraminia confirmed at the time that Iran also suspended retaliatory operations. However, the fragile truce quickly collapsed, prompting the US military to resume its bombing campaign.
Trump’s diplomatic overtures were made during that brief weekend ceasefire. “We are in very deep talks with Iran. If they don’t work out, we will go back to very strong military action,” he told the online news outlet Axios, describing the indirect talks as “very friendly” but stopping short of confirming concrete progress.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei reiterated on Monday that there are no direct negotiations with the United States, according to Anadolu Agency. Tehran maintains that international mediators, including Pakistan and Qatar, are working to prevent further escalation.
Toll of the 40-Day Conflict
As the war grinds on, the physical and economic toll on Iran is becoming starkly apparent. An Iranian government spokesperson said Monday that the country has lost 230 million cubic meters of its gas production capacity during the conflict.
She also reported that Bushehr Airport was disabled by US attacks and that 350 government employees were killed while carrying out their duties since the war began.
Regional Spillover and Diplomatic Maneuvers
The conflict’s footprint continues to destabilize the broader Middle East, with regional powers on high alert against proxy retaliation and cross-border spillover. The prolonged hostilities have severely strained regional airspace and energy infrastructure security, prompting neighboring states to heighten their defensive postures.
Netanyahu Arrives in Washington for Crisis Talks
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu departed for Washington on Sunday ahead of a scheduled meeting with Trump on Tuesday. The two leaders are expected to discuss the Iran conflict, the deployment of an international stabilization force in Gaza, and broader regional security issues.
Financial markets reacted cautiously to the mixed signals of resumed strikes alongside diplomatic overtures. Brent crude futures fell by $2.60 to settle at $86.30 per barrel on Monday, as traders weighed the potential for a negotiated off-ramp against the reality of ongoing infrastructure destruction.