President Donald Trump told reporters on Wednesday that the Iranian government has requested a direct meeting with his administration and is prepared to send a delegation to the White House. Meanwhile, Israel continues targeting military and nuclear sites in Iran and has urged the U.S. to strike the deeply buried Fordow Nuclear Enrichment Center. Lacking the specialized bunker-buster bombs needed to destroy the mountain-embedded facility, Israel has sought U.S. assistance. Israeli Ambassador to the U.S. Yechiel Leiter emphasized that the operation must include Fordow’s elimination. When asked if destroying Fordow was a prerequisite for a deal, Trump replied, “No, it’s just something that people talk about having… We’re the only ones that have the capability to do it, but that doesn’t mean I’m going to do it at all.” He praised U.S. military strength but said he had not yet made a decision on the matter.

Trump also denied reports that he sought peace talks, calling them “highly fabricated, fake news” on Truth Social. He reiterated that Iran should have accepted a previous deal, warning of the consequences of their refusal. He acknowledged Iran’s willingness to meet but called it “a little late.” Meanwhile, concerns have grown over several mysterious Chinese cargo planes flying near Iran before disappearing from radar. The planes, operated by Luxembourg-based Cargolux, flew through Central Asia but did not enter Iranian airspace, fueling speculation about covert support for Tehran. Andrea Ghiselli, an expert on China-Middle East relations, noted that such cargo flights raise suspicions given China’s historic military ties with Iran, including supplying arms and missile components possibly linked to nuclear weapons development.

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