Washington D.C. – Web Desk: The United States and Iran are continuing technical-level negotiations regarding Tehran’s nuclear program despite the recent escalation in military hostilities, US officials confirmed Thursday, signaling that diplomatic channels remain open even as airstrikes and retaliatory attacks intensify across the region.

A senior US official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told international media that while Washington remains committed to a peaceful resolution of the conflict with Iran, its position remains unequivocal: Iran must not be permitted to acquire nuclear weapons under any circumstances.

The statement comes amid a dramatic surge in tensions, with President Donald Trump ordering fresh airstrikes on Iranian targets this week and Iran responding with attacks on US military installations in Kuwait and Bahrain. The exchange of fire has effectively shattered the fragile ceasefire agreement reached between the two nations last month, raising fears of a broader regional conflict.

Trump’s Hardline Stance on Iran’s Nuclear Ambitions

President Trump, who has maintained a confrontational approach toward Tehran throughout his administration, recently declared that he no longer wishes to pursue a deal with Iran and that the ceasefire agreement was effectively over. He also warned that if Iran possessed nuclear weapons, they would not hesitate to use them—a scenario the United States is determined to prevent.

Despite these hawkish statements, US officials have emphasized that technical discussions on Iran’s nuclear program are proceeding separately from the military confrontations. This dual-track approach reflects Washington’s broader strategy of maintaining pressure on Tehran while leaving room for diplomatic resolution.

Regional Tensions Escalate

The ongoing military exchanges have rattled the Gulf region, with both sides exchanging strikes. US Central Command confirmed that American forces struck approximately 90 Iranian military targets, including air defense systems, coastal surveillance assets, missile and drone storage sites, and naval infrastructure along Iran’s coastline.

Iran has responded with drone attacks targeting US bases in Kuwait, Bahrain, and Qatar, claiming responsibility for strikes on a Patriot missile system, early warning satellite facilities, and US military fuel storage. The Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil supplies, has seen traffic grind to a near halt as shipowners adopt cautious stances amid the escalating conflict.

Diplomatic Channels Remain Open

Analysts suggest that continued technical-level talks indicate both sides may be seeking off-ramps from the current confrontation, even as military rhetoric escalates. The negotiations reportedly focus on verification mechanisms, enrichment limits, and potential safeguards—issues that remain central to any comprehensive agreement on Iran’s nuclear future.

The United States has maintained that its ultimate goal is to ensure Iran never develops nuclear weapons capability, while Iran has consistently denied pursuing nuclear arms, insisting its program serves peaceful energy purposes.

The development comes as the international community watches closely, with European allies urging restraint and the Gulf states bracing for further instability. Qatar’s Prime Minister has called for all parties to adhere to diplomatic channels and implement the provisions of the memorandum of understanding signed between Washington and Tehran last month.