Iran Suspends Direct Diplomatic Contact with US

Iran has suspended direct diplomatic communication with the United States following heightened tensions triggered by recent threats from U.S. President Donald Trump.

The decision marks a significant escalation in the already fragile relationship between Iran and the United States, as both sides continue to exchange strong rhetoric over ongoing conflicts in the Middle East.

According to sources familiar with the development, Tehran’s move is aimed at protesting what it described as hostile and provocative statements attributed to Trump, including warnings of possible large-scale military action.

Despite the suspension of direct contact, indirect diplomatic engagement has not been completely halted. Communication between the two countries is expected to continue through intermediaries, including regional actors and international partners, as efforts to de-escalate tensions persist behind the scenes.

Analysts say the move underscores Iran’s dissatisfaction with the current tone of engagement while leaving the door open for negotiations through alternative channels.

The development comes at a critical moment as diplomatic efforts intensify to prevent further escalation across multiple theatres in the Middle East, where ongoing conflicts have heightened global concerns over regional stability.

Observers warn that while indirect communication may help prevent a complete breakdown in diplomacy, the suspension of direct talks could slow progress toward any immediate resolution.

Iran Suspends Direct Diplomatic Contact with US

Civilian Deaths Rise to 18 as US-Israeli Strikes Hit Iran

At least 18 people, including two children, have been killed in fresh strikes in Alborz Province, near the capital Tehran, as the conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel continues to escalate. The early morning attack also injured 24 others, according to local officials.

A deputy governor of Alborz Province confirmed the casualties, describing the strike as a direct hit on residential areas. Iranian authorities alleged that the strikes were carried out by US-Israeli forces, though independent verification remains limited due to restricted access to the affected locations.

The latest deaths come amid a growing humanitarian crisis in Iran. According to the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency, at least 3,597 people have been killed since the conflict escalated, including 1,665 civilians—among them 248 children—as well as 1,221 military personnel and 711 others whose status is unconfirmed.

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Iranian officials have yet to release an updated comprehensive casualty figure, while international media face difficulties verifying reports due to access restrictions. Human rights organisations have raised concerns over the rising civilian toll, warning that continued strikes on populated areas could worsen the humanitarian situation.

The conflict, which has intensified in recent weeks with repeated air raids and missile attacks, has heightened fears of wider regional instability. Analysts say the escalation threatens both civilian safety and the broader Middle East security environment.

Despite international calls for restraint, attacks on residential areas in Alborz and other provinces highlight the vulnerability of civilians. Observers are urging urgent diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions and protect non-combatants in Iran.

Civilian Deaths Rise to 18 as US-Israeli Strikes Hit Iran

Iran Threatens Severe Retaliation After Israel Kills Quds Force Commander

Israel has announced the killing of a senior Iranian military commander, Asghar Bagheri, in a targeted airstrike in Tehran, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict.

According to the Israeli military, the strike—carried out by its air force—eliminated Bagheri, who led the Quds Force special operations unit (Unit 840) since 2019. The military described him as a key figure involved in coordinating attacks against Israeli and American targets worldwide.

The Quds Force, a unit of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), oversees the country’s overseas military and intelligence operations, including support for allied armed groups across the Middle East. Israeli officials said Bagheri had held several influential roles within the unit and was considered a high-value target.

Iran has yet to officially confirm the killing but has issued strong warnings of retaliation. A spokesperson for the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters cautioned that further escalation could have catastrophic consequences.

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The spokesperson warned that if hostilities continue to expand, the “entire region will turn into hell,” adding that attempts to defeat Iran have “turned into a swamp” that would ultimately trap its adversaries.

The development comes amid heightened tensions involving US President Donald Trump, who recently issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Iran to either strike a deal or reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global oil shipping route. Trump warned that failure to comply would result in severe consequences, further intensifying fears of a wider regional conflict.

The crisis follows the reported killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, in a missile strike earlier this year—an event that triggered retaliatory attacks by Iran on Israeli and US positions.

Since then, the conflict has escalated into a broader confrontation, disrupting global trade after Iran blocked the Strait of Hormuz, a route responsible for transporting about 20 percent of the world’s oil supply.

Security analysts warn that Israel’s continued targeting of senior Iranian commanders, combined with escalating rhetoric from Tehran and Washington, could push the Middle East toward a full-scale war with serious global economic and security implications.

In summary, Israel’s killing of a top Quds Force commander in Tehran has intensified the already volatile Middle East crisis, raising concerns about further retaliation and a possible wider war.

Iran Threatens Severe Retaliation After Israel Kills Quds Force Commander