US President Donald Trump on Tuesday, 3 March, said Iran’s military leadership and key defense capabilities had been wiped out, declaring it was “too late” for talks.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote: “Their air defense, Air Force, Navy, and Leadership is gone. They want to talk. I said ‘Too Late!’”
The remarks signal a hardening stance amid escalating tensions in the region.
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Mixed signals from Iran on prospects for talks
Iran sent conflicting signals on Tuesday over the prospects of talks with Washington, with one representative indicating openness to negotiations “with dignity,” while the country’s ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva ruled out dialogue “for the time being” following US-Israeli strikes on Iranian targets.
Dr Abdul Majid Hakeem Ilahi, described as a representative of the late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, told ANI, “Iran is ready for negotiations but with dignity.”
And, Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva dismissed the prospect of negotiations with the United States.
“For the time being we are very doubtful about the usefulness of negotiation… The only language for talking with the United States is the language of defense,” Bahreini told reporters.
“I don’t think it is a time for having any kind of negotiation from our side,” he added.
Letter to Congress justifies strikes
According to Fox News, Trump sent an official letter to Congress outlining the rationale behind the US military action.
“At my direction, on February 28, 2026, United States forces conducted precision strikes against numerous targets within Iran including ballistic missile sites, maritime mining capabilities, air defenses, and command and control capabilities,” Trump wrote.
He said the strikes were aimed at protecting US forces in the region and the homeland, advancing national interests, and ensuring the free flow of maritime commerce through the Strait of Hormuz.
The President also cited “collective self-defense of our regional allies, including Israel,” as justification.
Trump added that no US ground forces were deployed and that the mission was designed to minimize civilian casualties, deter future attacks, and neutralize what he described as Iran’s malign activities.
Conflict enters 4th day
The conflict has entered its fourth day following coordinated US and Israeli strikes that killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other senior Iranian figures.
In retaliation, Tehran has launched counter-strikes targeting American military bases and Israeli assets across the region, further heightening fears of a broader regional escalation.
War timeline remains unclear
Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have offered open-ended timelines for the conflict.
Trump has suggested the operation could last “four or five weeks,” while Netanyahu has said the war is “not going to take years.”
Iran drone hits US embassy in Riyadh
Iran struck the US Embassy in Saudi Arabia’s capital, Riyadh, with two drones early Tuesday, according to Saudi officials, marking a significant escalation in Tehran’s retaliation campaign.
Saudi Arabia condemned the attack “in the strongest terms.”
“The brutal Iranian behavior … will push the region into further escalation,” the Saudi Foreign Ministry said, reiterating the kingdom’s right to protect its territory and interests, including “the option of responding to the aggression.”
The strike comes as Iran continues targeting Gulf states and critical energy infrastructure across the region.
Conflict spreads to Lebanon
The war has spilled into Lebanon, where the Iranian-backed militant group Hezbollah fired missiles at Israel on Monday.
Israel retaliated with fresh airstrikes on Beirut on Tuesday and said additional troops had moved into southern Lebanon, taking up positions near the border.
