Iran War: Trump Claims Progress in Talks Amidst Escalation and Confusion

• US President Donald Trump's claim of 'great progress' in talks with Iran sparks confusion, as Iran denies negotiations and vows to fight 'until complete victory'.
• Pakistan, Egypt, and Gulf Arab nations are attempting to facilitate preliminary talks, while Israel continues its attacks, escalating the conflict.
• Trump's objectives for the war have been vague, shifting from degrading missile capabilities to ensuring Iran never builds a nuclear weapon and reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
• Reports suggest US envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner met an Iranian leader, possibly Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, who later denied talks.
• The US agreed 'in principle' to join talks in Pakistan, focusing on trust-building and a mechanism to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, but Iran's leadership remains cohesive yet opaque.