Iran cuts 'direct diplomatic ties' with US after Trump's threat

Tehran has decided to cut all direct diplomatic ties with Washington after a stern warning from US President Donald Trump. The Wall Street Journal confirmed this information on Tuesday (April 7).

The decision has further complicated the situation in the Middle East in the context of the ongoing 38-day war between Iran and the US-Israeli alliance.

The report said that Tehran took this tough stance just hours before the expiry of the ultimatum given by Trump threatening to 'destroy Iran's entire civilization'. This is believed to have blocked the way to reach any possible agreement tonight. By suspending direct talks, Iran has sent a message that it will not give in to military pressure.

Amid this diplomatic stalemate, air strikes were reported on Tuesday on several strategic cities in Iran. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have carried out operations in various areas including Tehran, Qom, Isfahan, Khorramabad and Shiraz. At least 8 important bridges in Iran were reportedly destroyed in the attack. In this situation, Washington has ordered US citizens in Bahrain to take shelter.

The Wall Street Journal also reported that last week, communication between the two countries was maintained through a secret channel mediated by Pakistan. Thanks to this channel, two LNG ships from Qatar were able to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. However, after Trump's recent ultimatum, Iran has also closed the possibility of negotiations through mediators.

The media outlet, citing a Middle Eastern official, said that Tehran took this step to show its inflexible position against Trump's demand to open the Strait of Hormuz. However, although direct negotiations have been stopped, it is believed that the indirect communication channel has not been completely blocked.

Analysts say the future of the war will be determined by a show of force on the battlefield as diplomatic efforts fail. Tehran's decision is seen as a clear military message and ceasefire plans are now ineffective. All in all, there is a growing fear of further escalation in the conflict in the region.