The White House insisted that peace talks with Iran are ongoing, even as Tehran publicly rejected U.S. overtures and issued fresh conditions of its own to end the conflict that¡¯s wreaked havoc across the Middle East and global markets.

¡°The United States has been engaged over the last three days in productive conversations,¡± White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters on Wednesday. ¡°You¡¯re beginning to see the regime look for an exit ramp.¡±

¡°If Iran fails to accept the reality of the current moment,¡± Leavitt added, ¡°Trump will ensure they are hit harder than they have ever been hit before. President Trump does not bluff and he is prepared to unleash hell.¡±