U.S.-Israel-Iran conflict: Uncertainty deepens in Washington

लगानी न्यूज

१६ बैशाख २०८३, बुधबार १३:५४April 29, 2026

Kathmandu. Uncertainty is deepening inside Washington as efforts to end the tense Middle East conflict between the United States, Israel and Iran enter a new moment.

Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth is set to testify before Congress for the first time on Wednesday, as the US leadership appears skeptical of Iran’s latest proposal.TAG_OPEN_div_51

The two-month war has blocked a strategically crucial shipping route, severely impacting global oil and gas supplies, and causing ripples in the international economy.TAG_OPEN_div_49 In such a situation, any ceasefire initiative could be decisive, but there is no sign that Washington will accept Tehran’s offer easily.

U.S. officials have not rejected international media reports that President Donald Trump is not satisfied with Iran’s offer.TAG_OPEN_div_47 Meanwhile, during a state banquet at the White House, Trump said that Iran has been “militarily defeated”. He reiterated his firm position that Iran would never be allowed to acquire nuclear weapons, and that King Charles III agreed.

But Tehran’s response has been quite the opposite.TAG_OPEN_div_45 A spokesman for Iran’s armed forces said on state television that he had no confidence in the United States and did not believe the war was over. He warned that if necessary, he could respond more strongly by using new tactics and technology.

Attempts at negotiations have not been effective in recent days. Vice President JD Vance was scheduled to travel to Pakistan for the talks, but the event was cancelled at the last minute. According to Iran’s Fars news agency, the new proposal from Pakistan presents sensitive issues including the Strait of Hormuz as a “red line”.

Under the proposal, Iran could loosen its control over the waterway and in return, the United States could lift sanctions on Iranian ports.TAG_OPEN_div_41 However, it has been proposed to continue detailed negotiations on issues as complex as Iran’s nuclear program.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio questioned the credibility of the proposal, even if it was “better” than expected.TAG_OPEN_div_39 He expressed doubts about whether the parties making the proposal had enough authority, especially after Israel’s assassination of senior Iranian officials. He said a final agreement would prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons.

A spokesman for Iran’TAG_OPEN_div_37 s defence ministry said the US should abandon its “illegal and unrealistic demands”. He said that the international politics had changed and that the situation of the US single-handedly directing other countries has ended.

Qatar, which has been seen as a mediator, has warned that a long-term standoff could persist unless a clear solution is found.TAG_OPEN_div_35 This uncertainty has caused oil prices to rise again in the international market. Brent crude oil has climbed above pre-armistice levels, while West Texas Intermediate has also crossed $100 again after two weeks.

As the war prolongs, pressure is mounting within the United States.TAG_OPEN_div_33 As the upcoming midterm elections approach, public dissatisfaction with the war is growing. In such a situation, Trump is under pressure to find a clear way out of the conflict.

Criticism is also increasing internationally. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said the US did not have a clear strategy. To which Trump reacted strongly on social media.

Meanwhile, tensions remain in the Lebanese region.TAG_OPEN_div_29 Although the ceasefire between Iran-backed Hezbollah and Israel has been extended, sporadic violence continues. The Lebanese army said two of its soldiers were wounded in the Israeli attack. Israel has threatened to evacuate several areas, calling Hezbollah’s activities a ceasefire violation and claiming that a large network of tunnels has been destroyed.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar reiterated that his country has no territorial ambitions in Lebanon and said there was no need to have a presence in Lebanon once the armed groups became inactive.TAG_OPEN_div_27 Hezbollah leader Naeem Qassem gave a clear signal that his group would not back down.