Iran says it will fight ‘until complete victory’ in blow to hopes of peace

WorldPolitics
24 Mar 2026 • 11:25 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

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  • Iran's military has pledged to fight until "complete victory" against the US and Israel, dismissing claims of ongoing peace talks.
  • This statement contradicts assertions made by President Trump regarding "productive" peace negotiations and a "five-day ceasefire" with Tehran.
  • The declaration follows a new wave of attacks by Iran against Israel and US allies in the Gulf, including missile strikes on Tel Aviv and drone/missile responses from Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.
  • Reports indicated that US administration officials were considering Iranian parliament speaker Ghalibaf as a potential US-backed leader, with US envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner reportedly engaging in negotiations with him.
  • However, both Ghalibaf's social media account and Iran's foreign ministry have denied that any negotiations have occurred or that Iran has responded to American requests for talks.

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