Trump says US and Iran remain in talks as conflict enters second week of daily strikes

President Donald Trump told reporters that the United States is still negotiating with Iran and that Tehran appears to be becoming "more serious" in the talks, though he cautioned that a settlement is not yet imminent. He said the administration is considering both continued military pressure and a diplomatic deal as possible exit strategies.

The White House confirmed that Trump met on Friday with senior advisers and Cabinet officials to discuss a potential escalation of the conflict if negotiations fail. The meeting followed 13 consecutive nights of US airstrikes on Iranian military targets, which US Central Command has posted about on social media. No official statement was released on Friday confirming whether a strike was carried out that day.

In related developments, US forces disabled a commercial tanker in the Gulf of Oman after the vessel attempted to breach the US naval blockade of Iranian ports multiple times. Saudi Arabia also conducted airstrikes against Houthi positions in Yemen’s port of Hodeidah, describing the action as a proportionate response to attacks on Saudi shipping in the Red Sea.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to meet Trump at the White House next Tuesday, a visit confirmed by both leaders' offices. The meeting will occur amid ongoing US strikes and regional tensions.

Trump also reiterated his belief that China and Russia are not supplying weapons to Iran, citing assurances from the leaders of those countries. He added that the United States is monitoring the situation closely and remains prepared to adjust its strategy as needed.