In what can only be described as a masterclass in diplomatic whiplash, the White House has declared that Iran hostilities 'have been terminated' - a claim that Democrats are calling, in the most technical of terms, 'bullshit.'
This live blog is now closed, but the drama remains wide open. Iran has offered a new peace proposal to the US, but apparently President Trump is 'not satisfied' - because nothing says 'peace' like being unsatisfied with the other side's attempt at peace.
The White House, through spokeswoman Anna Kelly, told Reuters it 'will not detail private diplomatic conversations' when asked about Iran's proposal, which was submitted via Pakistani mediators. Kelly added that 'President Trump has been clear that Iran can never possess a nuclear weapon, and negotiations continue to ensure the short- and long-term national security of the United States.'
But here's where it gets fun: one observer noted, 'I do have the impression from some of the briefings that I have received, as well as other sources, that an imminent military strike is very much on the table.' So much for termination.
The same source lamented a 'lack of coherent strategy,' which apparently came through 'very vividly and graphically' in a hearing with Secretary Hegseth. And, of course, there's the president's own comments, which 'oscillate between seeming open to negotiation and then foreclosing it entirely and threatening destruction of civilizations.' Because nothing builds trust like threatening to destroy civilization one day and asking to talk the next.