We are ready to stop the war : Iran

The time for talks is over – Trump’s response

Dr. Abdul Majid Hakim Ilahi and Donald Trump

Tehran (Iran) / Washington DC (USA) – Dr Abdul Majid Hakeem Ilahi, a representative of Iran’s slain Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei, said in an interview with the news agency ANI (Asian News International) that Iran is ready to stop the war. “We are ready for dialogue; however, the talks must be conducted respectfully, not as directives imposed on Iran. We are acting in self-defence and demanding our rights,” he stated.

Responding to Ilahi’s remarks, US President Donald Trump said that the time for talks with Iran had passed. “Israel did not ask us for assistance in launching an attack. We stepped in to help because we had information that Iran was preparing to attack,” he said.

“We are ready to stop the war!” – Iran

“The time for talks has passed!” – Donald Trump

Key Developments from the Escalating U.S.–Iran Conflict:

⚠️ U.S. reportedly sinks 17 Iranian warships and 1 submarine

🚀 Iran launches large-scale retaliation:
• 73 missiles & 91 drones… https://t.co/SKdY6LnlaI pic.twitter.com/n59oEUoVop

— Sanatan Prabhat (@SanatanPrabhat) March 4, 2026

Key developments

• According to US officials, American forces destroyed several Iranian naval assets, including warships and a submarine.

• Iran reportedly launched dozens of missiles and drones towards Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates.

• Reports claim that the US carried out attacks at nearly 2,000 locations in Iran within five days.

• The US Consulate in Dubai was reportedly targeted in an attack.

• Iran claimed that 650 US soldiers were killed, while reports suggest that around 1,100 people died in Iran.

• France deployed Rafale fighter jets at its military base in the United Arab Emirates.

• Qatar arrested 10 individuals suspected of spying for Iran.

• The US ordered government employees and their families to leave 14 countries, including Saudi Arabia, Israel, Jordan, Bahrain, Iraq and Oman.

Mojtaba Khamenei reportedly considered as new religious leader

Mojtaba Khamenei

After Ayatollah Khamenei was reportedly killed in attacks by the US and Israel, reports emerged that Iran had appointed his younger son Mojtaba Khamenei as the new Supreme Religious Leader. However, Iran’s Consulate in Mumbai clarified on social media platform X that no such appointment has been made so far.

According to reports, a meeting regarding the leadership issue was held in the city of Qom, about 140 km south of Tehran, at the Majlis-e-Khobregan building. During this time, Israel and the US allegedly launched attacks in the area. Reports claim that the building was destroyed in the strike. Eighty-eight religious leaders were present at the meeting, though the number of casualties or the extent of the damage remains unknown.

Iran’s attacks on Gulf countries aimed at forcing US and Israel to stop the war: K.P. Fabian

K.P. Fabian

Former Indian Ambassador to Iran K.P. Fabian stated that Iran’s attacks on Arab countries are intended to pressure the US and Israel into ending the war. If such attacks continue, the economies of those countries could suffer severe damage. According to him, closing the Strait of Hormuz would be Iran’s decisive move, which could lead to a sharp rise in oil prices. He also stated that Iran has preserved a significant part of its missile stockpile and may be preparing for a prolonged conflict.

US missile stockpiles reportedly declining

According to reports citing officials from the US Department of Defense (Pentagon), if American attacks on Iran continue for another 10 days, some key missile stockpiles could be significantly depleted. Reports mention shortages of Tomahawk missiles and SM-3 interceptors among other systems.

Officials indicated that stockpiles are gradually declining. There is also a possibility of escalation in attacks within the next 24 hours. Reports state that during the four-year conflict involving Russia and Ukraine, a substantial portion of US missile supplies was used. In previous conflicts, the US reportedly used nearly 25% of its stockpile. Many missiles deployed on warships have already been expended.

Iran is believed to produce more than 100 missiles per month, whereas reports suggest that the US manufactures far fewer long-range cruise missiles monthly.

Continuous rise in crude oil prices

Within four days of the war, international crude oil prices rose by nearly 14%. Disruptions in shipping through the Strait of Hormuz have affected global oil transport.

An increase of $15 per barrel in oil prices could significantly impact India’s fiscal balance. However, India’s Petroleum Minister Hardeep Puri stated that the country has alternative fuel sources available.

India has about 40–45 days of oil reserves

India has approximately 25 days of emergency oil reserves. Including commercial and strategic reserves, the total stock could last around 40–45 days. This would help maintain stable supply for a few weeks, though prolonged disruption could require additional reserves.

Signals from Russia to supply oil to India

Amid concerns that oil supplies from Gulf countries could be disrupted due to the war, reports suggest that Russia has indicated its readiness to supply oil to India. Although India continued purchasing oil from Russia despite US sanctions, imports had declined due to pressure from the United States. There is now a possibility of increased imports again.

US attempts to seek support from Kurdish militia in Iraq

According to CNN (Cable News Network), the US intelligence agency CIA has begun efforts to provide arms assistance to Kurdish militias in Iraq. The Trump administration is reportedly in discussions with Kurdish leaders regarding possible military support.

Thousands of fighters from Iranian Kurdish armed groups are active in the Kurdistan region along the Iraq–Iran border. Following US attacks on Iran, Iran has reportedly launched operations against the Democratic Party of Iranian Kurdistan. President Trump is said to have held discussions with the group’s leader Mustafa Hijri. Meanwhile, Shia militia groups in Iraq are supporting Iran.

Trump threatens to halt trade with Spain over lack of support

Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez

US President Donald Trump announced that the United States could halt trade with Spain, stating, “We do not wish to maintain any relations with Spain.”

This statement came after Spain did not provide the expected support for US and Israeli operations against Iran and refused to increase its financial contribution to NATO. Since Spain is a member of the European Union, it remains unclear how such a trade halt could be implemented, as the EU negotiates trade agreements on behalf of its 27 member states.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez criticised the attacks on Iran and stated that Spain opposes war and believes such actions could further worsen the situation.