A report in Arab News, citing Israeli daily Yedioth Ahronoth, says Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is willing to enter negotiations with the United States. Yedioth attributes the claim to a conversation between Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, and U.S. intermediary Steve Witkoff, reportedly cleared at the highest levels in Tehran.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman, however, rejected U.S. President Donald Trump’s suggestion that talks are already under way. He said Iran has conducted no negotiations with Washington in the 24 days since what Tehran calls the unprovoked U.S.-Israel offensive against the Islamic Republic began.
The report follows Trump’s public comment that the Strait of Hormuz would be “open very soon” and his suggestion that control of the strategic shipping route could be handled jointly by the U.S. and Iran.
Live updates (selected)
– Israeli strikes near Beirut kill two, wound five (March 24, 2026, AP)
An early-morning Israeli strike on an apartment building in Bchamoun, southeast of Beirut, killed at least two people and injured five. The area lies outside Beirut’s southern suburbs where evacuation notices had been issued.
– Multiple missile warnings in Israel (March 24, 2026, AP)
Israel issued its sixth missile warning since midnight as authorities warned of possible Iranian fire.
– Iranian parliamentarian urges caution over Trump’s talks claim (March 24, 2026, AP)
A member of Iran’s Parliament urged Tehran to “think wisely” about U.S. President Trump’s assertion that talks with Iran were occurring.
– South Korea to boost nuclear and coal output (March 24, 2026, AP)
To reduce natural gas use amid regional disruption, South Korea plans to expand operations at nuclear and coal-fired plants and temporarily relax emissions-related restrictions on some coal units.
– Iran foreign minister conducts regional calls (March 24, 2026, AP)
Abbas Araghchi has held talks with counterparts in Azerbaijan, Egypt, Oman, Pakistan, Russia, South Korea, Turkey and Turkmenistan, his office confirmed.
– Dollar strengthens as markets grow cautious (March 24, 2026, Reuters)
The dollar firmed and investor sentiment turned cautious amid the ongoing Middle East conflict and doubts about a quick de-escalation, despite Trump postponing strikes on Iran’s power grid.
– Tehran skeptical of U.S. motives after deadline extension (March 24, 2026, AP)
Trump extended a deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, saying he had given Tehran extra days. Iran allowed a few ships through but continued targeting vessels linked to the U.S., Israel or their allies and expressed wariness of U.S. intentions. Analysts note the pause could coincide with U.S. force movements, while some suggest it might be an effort to create an “off-ramp.” Trump says he has no current plans for a ground invasion but has not ruled it out; Israel has indicated its ground forces might participate.
– Iran launches missile barrages at Israel (March 24, 2026, AP)
Iran reportedly launched three waves of missiles toward Israel early Tuesday, with impacts reported in the country’s north.
– U.S. to continue strikes but pause attacks on energy sites, Semafor reports (March 24, 2026, Reuters/Semafor)
Citing a U.S. official, Semafor reported the U.S. would continue strikes on military targets while pausing attacks on Iran’s energy infrastructure during what the White House described as “productive” contacts with unidentified Iranian interlocutors.
– Markets volatile, oil rises after postponement fails to soothe investors (March 24, 2026, Reuters)
Stocks wavered and oil prices climbed after Trump’s delay of attacks on Iran’s power grid did little to allay investor concerns over the war’s global economic impact.
– Airlines cancel more flights as conflict disrupts hubs (March 24, 2026, Reuters)
Major Middle Eastern airports, including Dubai, Doha and Abu Dhabi, remained closed, stranding passengers and prompting further flight cancellations.
– Australia and EU sign trade deal amid tensions (March 24, 2026, Reuters)
Australia and the European Union concluded a long-negotiated agreement eliminating most tariffs and including security and defense cooperation provisions.
– Markets react with cautious optimism and skepticism to Trump’s talks claim (March 24, 2026, AP)
Markets briefly cheered Trump’s suggestion of “productive” contacts with Iran but caution and Iranian denials left investors uncertain.
– Overnight strikes in Beirut’s southern suburbs (March 24, 2026, AP)
Israeli jets struck multiple neighborhoods in the southern suburbs of Beirut, targeting locations Israel described as Hezbollah infrastructure; initial reports indicated no immediate injuries.
– Impact reported in northern Israel after missile warning (March 24, 2026, AP)
Search-and-rescue teams responded to reports of an impact in northern Israel following warnings of missiles launched from Iran; authorities urged the public to avoid gathering in the affected area.
Context and implications
Claims of a willingness by Iran’s supreme leadership to engage with the U.S. are significant if confirmed, but Tehran’s official denials and parliamentary cautions highlight deep mistrust. The conflict has already generated military strikes across the region, disruptions to civilian travel and energy markets, and heightened geopolitical tensions. Reporting remains fluid, with competing statements from Western and Iranian officials and ongoing military activity.
