Conflicting statements from leaders in the United States and Iran on Monday clouded the outlook for ending the war in the Middle East. President Trump said the United States was engaged in 'very strong talks' with Iran and postponed a deadline threatening strikes on its energy infrastructure. Iranian parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf denied that any negotiations had taken place, though officials from both sides acknowledged indirect exchanges through intermediaries.

According to Iranian officials, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and President Trump's Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff have held preliminary phone discussions aimed at de-escalation. Meanwhile, United States Central Command reported carrying out more than 9,000 strikes since the war began on Feb. 28, damaging or sinking more than 140 Iranian naval vessels. Iranian media portrayed Trump's comments about talks as a sign that he was retreating.

In Lebanon, Israeli forces struck the Dallafa Bridge in the south and carried out additional attacks in and around Beirut. Lebanon's Health Ministry reported at least one death from a strike on an apartment building. The Israeli military said it targeted a member of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, which backs Hezbollah, and later announced further strikes on Hezbollah infrastructure in Beirut.