Ghana: ECG Warns Of Possible Outages Despite Restoring Power To Dodowa, Valley View Feeders
The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) says that although it has restored power supply to the Dodowa and Valley View feeders, there are still technical constraints that may lead to outages in some areas served by these feeders.
In a statement, ECG attributed the power supply interruptions experienced in Dodowa, Oyibi, and surrounding areas to multiple faults on the feeders in Valley View and Dodowa.
The statement noted that one of the faults was successfully resolved at 10:05 PM on Wednesday night. It added that work is ongoing to construct a new 10-span overhead line to bypass a damaged 33kV cable that has recently caused repeated disruptions.
Despite deploying three contractors, ECG said the line works could not be completed on Thursday.
It assured that work will resume today with additional resources to expedite completion.
According to ECG, due to ongoing technical constraints, load from two feeders is currently being managed on a single feeder to maintain system stability.
The power distributor apologised for the inconvenience and appreciates the public’s patience as it works to improve service reliability.
Nigeria: NUPRC Seals 3D Seismic Data Acquisition Deal With SeaSeis & TGS
The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has signed a Petroleum Exploration Licence (PEL) No. 5 agreement with SeaSeis Geophysical Limited (SeaSeis), authorizing the company, in partnership with the Commission and TGS, to undertake the acquisition and processing of new 3D seismic and gravity data.
The agreement was signed earlier this week at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
The major seismic data acquisition project, PEL No. 5, covers an area of 11,700 square kilometres offshore the eastern Niger Delta, in water depths ranging from 400 to 2,800 meters.
The licence is expected to unlock stronger prospectivity, enhance subsurface understanding, and support more efficient development of Nigeria’s hydrocarbon resources, in line with Section 71 (1–10) of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021.
Commenting on the agreement, the Chief Executive of NUPRC, Mrs. Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, said the issuance of the PEL 5 licence reflects the Commission’s continued commitment to data-driven exploration, transparency, and long-term value creation for Nigeria and the oil and gas sector.
In his remarks, the Managing Director of SeaSeis Geophysical Limited, Mr. Goke Adeniyi, described the PEL 5 as the company’s largest project in Africa, noting that it underscores the scale of opportunity within Nigeria’s upstream sector.
Kenya: Shell Stations Run Out Of Fuel Amid Middle East Tensions
Vivo Energy Kenya, the licensed distributor of Shell fuels, says it is working around the clock to restock service stations that ran dry as demand surged this week.
In a statement, the company confirmed temporary stockouts at “some” locations and pledged continuous monitoring and rapid replenishment.
The notice did not specify which sites were affected or provide a timeline for when normal supply would resume.
It attributed the shortages to increased demand and thanked customers for their “continued patronage,” while apologizing for the inconvenience.
Motorists in Nairobi reported queues and dry pumps on Tuesday evening, particularly for petrol.
Vivo Energy is the licensed retailer for Shell-branded fuels in Kenya and also operates lubricants and commercial supply operations.
The company says it remains committed to keeping its network—and the essential services that rely on it—fully supplied.
Earlier this week, Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi warned oil marketing companies (OMCs) in the East African nation against hoarding fuel and creating artificial shortages in anticipation of higher prices due to the conflict in the Middle East.
“Notwithstanding the stable supply position, we note with concern reports of product hoarding and speculative withholding of stocks,” Wandayi said.
“This conduct is commercially opportunistic, contrary to the public interest, and in direct breach of licensing obligations.”
He reminded OMCs of their obligation to maintain continuous supply and to sell fuel at prices set by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA).
The Cabinet Secretary maintained that Kenya has adequate fuel reserves, with the Kenya Pipeline Company holding 102 million litres of petrol, 146 million litres of diesel, and 167 million litres of kerosene/Jet A-1.
“These stocks are sufficient to meet national demand, benchmarked against average daily consumption,” he said.
Trump Pauses Strikes On Iran Energy Plants Until April 6
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Thursday that he was pausing strikes on Iran’s energy plants for 10 days at Tehran’s request, adding that talks were going well.
“As per the Iranian government’s request, please let this statement serve to represent that I am pausing the period of energy plant destruction for 10 days, until Monday, April 6, 2026, at 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time,” he said in a post on Truth Social.
“Talks are ongoing and, despite erroneous statements to the contrary by the fake news media and others, they are going very well,” he added.
Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump appears to be leaning toward ordering a major ground operation against Iran, The Times of Israel reported, citing an official from a country mediating between Washington and Tehran.
The U.S. reportedly recognizes that Tehran is unlikely to agree to the concessions outlined in Washington’s 15-point plan and has dispatched thousands of troops to the region to capture Iran’s Kharg Island on Trump’s orders, the report said, citing the official.
The report also cited a second official from a mediating country as warning that while U.S. forces may be able to capture the island, holding it would likely require significantly more troops and a longer campaign than the four-to-six-week timeframe publicly suggested by Washington.
Israel’s military said on Thursday that its air force carried out around 20 waves of strikes over the past 24 hours targeting Iranian military infrastructure in western Iran.
The military said the strikes hit dozens of sites, including locations in Kermanshah and Dezful. It added that about 70 munitions were used to target facilities involved in the storage and launch of ballistic missiles, as well as air defense systems.
Iran’s Parliament Speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, said the country would continue fighting until it breaks what he described as the cycle of “war–ceasefire–war.”
In a post on his X account addressed to the “heroic nation of Iran,” Ghalibaf said public mobilization and the sacrifices of Iran’s armed forces over the past 25 nights had created conditions for what he called a “historic victory.”
“No one can issue ultimatums to Iran or the Iranian people,” he wrote.
Ghalibaf added that Iran’s forces would not lose the opportunity created by the war and would press on until “complete victory” and the end of the cycle of “war–ceasefire–war.”
Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, accused U.S. soldiers of fleeing military bases in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and taking shelter in civilian locations.
“From the outset of this war, U.S. soldiers fled military bases in GCC countries to hide in hotels and offices,” Araghchi wrote on X.
He alleged that the move amounts to using Gulf civilians as “human shields.”
“Hotels in the U.S. deny bookings to officers who may endanger customers,” he wrote. “GCC hotels should do the same.”
Araghchi also said on Sunday (March 23) that the Strait of Hormuz remains open, but ships are hesitant to pass due to the war initiated by the U.S. and Israel against Iran.
His comments came within 24 hours of President Trump issuing an ultimatum to Iran over the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
In a post on X, Araghchi wrote: “The Strait of Hormuz is not closed. Ships hesitate because insurers fear the war of choice you initiated—not Iran.”
He added that vessels belonging to what he described as aggressor parties “cannot be considered normal and non-hostile passage” and would be dealt with in accordance with the legal framework arising from the conflict, as well as decisions by Iranian authorities.
He also criticized the U.S. president, saying Iran would not be “swayed by more threats,” even after Trump warned he could “hit” and “obliterate” Iran’s power plants if the Strait of Hormuz is not reopened.
“Freedom of navigation cannot exist without freedom of trade. Respect both—or expect neither,” he said.
Rosatom, BRICS Nuclear Platform Launch “Atoms Empowering Africa” Contest To Promote Nuclear Development
Russia’s state nuclear corporation Rosatom has announced the launch of the ninth edition of the Atoms Empowering Africa video contest.
The initiative provides young people across Africa with an opportunity to share their perspectives on how nuclear technologies can be used to address pressing development challenges.
This year’s competition places a strong emphasis on cooperation within the BRICS Nuclear Platform.
“The BRICS Nuclear Platform is designed to create new opportunities for collaboration in the peaceful use of nuclear technologies. By linking this year’s Atoms Empowering Africa contest to the Platform, we hope to encourage young Africans to explore how international cooperation can help address real challenges in their countries. Their ideas and perspectives are an important part of building a more innovative and inclusive global nuclear community,” said Elsie Pule, Head Coordinator of the BRICS Nuclear Platform.
Participants are invited to submit short videos explaining how the platform could support sustainable development in their countries.
Entries should focus on one of five topics: The Role of Nuclear Energy in the Future of BRICS Countries, How Nuclear Technologies Improve People’s Lives (with emphasis on non-power applications), Youth and the BRICS Nuclear Platform, Cities and Regions of the BRICS Nuclear Platform, and The BRICS Nuclear Platform: Vision for 2030.
The contest is open to Africans aged 18 to 35.
“Across many African countries, the role of modern nuclear technologies in long-term development is gaining increasing attention—from ensuring reliable energy supply to advancing healthcare and agriculture. The Atoms Empowering Africa contest helps engage a new generation—students, entrepreneurs and young professionals from across the continent—in this important conversation. This year, participants are also encouraged to explore the potential of cooperation within the BRICS Nuclear Platform,” said Ryan Collyer, CEO of Rosatom Central and Southern Africa.
Submissions will be accepted until May 1, after which a jury will evaluate entries based on originality, clarity of presentation, and the relevance of the proposed solutions to specific regions. A maximum of one winner per country will be selected, either as an individual or a team of two.
“For those who want to compete in this year’s contest—don’t take it lightly. It’s a serious competition and once-in-a-lifetime experience,” said Emmanuel Adom, one of the 2023 winners from Ghana.
Last year, the contest received 50 submissions, with 13 winners selected from six countries: South Africa, Egypt, Kenya, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi and Namibia.
Russia, Uzbekistan Sign Nuclear Cooperation Roadmap
Russia and Uzbekistan have commenced concrete works at a nuclear power plant (NPP) construction site in the Farish District of the Jizzakh Region, marking a key milestone in the development of a small-scale nuclear facility powered by a RITM-200N reactor.
The start of construction activities was marked by senior project officials, including Vice President and Project Director for the Uzbekistan NPP project at Atomstroyexport, Pavel Bezrukov, and Director of Uzbekistan’s NPP Construction Directorate, Abdizhamil Kalmuratov.
As part of preparatory works, approximately 900 cubic metres of concrete will be poured to form the base of the reactor building, a phase scheduled for completion in April 2026.
Once completed, the foundation will be levelled, followed by the installation of waterproofing and grounding systems.
The next major milestone will be the pouring of first concrete for the reactor building’s foundation slab.
Ahead of construction, authorities approved the placement of two power units, each equipped with a RITM-200N reactor.
The permit formalises the site selection and paves the way for full-scale construction of the small modular nuclear plant, in line with national regulations and international safety standards.
In parallel, Rosatom and Uzbekistan’s Atomic Energy Agency (Uzatom) signed a roadmap for cooperation in nuclear and related fields in Tashkent. The agreement was endorsed by Rosatom Director General Alexey Likhachev and Uzatom Director Azim Akhmedkhadzhaev, alongside a supplementary contract for the NPP project.
The roadmap outlines cooperation across key areas, including workforce training, public awareness of nuclear technologies, and plans for developing a future nuclear city near the plant. It underscores the expanding scope of Russia–Uzbekistan collaboration, with nuclear energy expected to support broader socio-economic development.
“The signing of the roadmap and supplementary agreement, alongside the start of construction works, marks Uzbekistan’s entry into the forefront of the global nuclear power industry,” Likhachev said, noting the project’s potential to strengthen long-term energy security and technological capacity.
Under the updated agreement, the NPP will adopt an integrated configuration combining two large-capacity Generation 3+ VVER-1000 reactors with two smaller RITM-200N units, each with a capacity of 55 MW.
Globally, nuclear energy development continues to gain momentum. In February, Rosatom began pouring first concrete for Unit 5 at Hungary’s Paks Nuclear Power Plant, signalling the start of its main construction phase.
The expansion of such projects highlights the growing scale and technological advancement of nuclear power worldwide.
While countries like Hungary are strengthening long-term energy security, emerging regions—including Africa—are increasingly positioned to tap into nuclear energy to meet rising electricity demand and support economic growth.
Liberia: Monrovia And Surrounding Towns Face Three-Day Power Outage
Liberia’s capital, Monrovia, and surrounding communities are likely to experience power supply interruptions from March 26 to March 28, the country’s power utility, the Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC), has announced in a statement.
According to the LEC, it received official communication from TRANSCO-CLSG, a regional transmission company that supplies power to Liberia, indicating that it will undertake maintenance activities on its 225kV transmission lines from March 26 to March 28, 2026, between 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. daily.
The LEC also stated that Électricité de Guinée (EDG) has reported technical issues with generation; consequently, power supply to Liberia will be reduced until the issue is resolved.
The corporation explained that parts of Monrovia and surrounding communities may experience power interruptions or outages during the stated period.
“These temporary disruptions are necessary to facilitate essential upgrades and to ensure the long-term reliability and stability of the regional power supply network,” the LEC said.
The power utility added that it will utilize its thermal and hydro generation capacity to provide partial electricity supply and advised customers to plan accordingly and take the necessary precautions throughout the maintenance period.
The LEC assured its customers that it is working closely with its regional partners to minimize the impact of these disruptions and restore normal service. It also expressed appreciation for their continued patience and understanding as efforts continue to improve electricity supply across Liberia.
Ghana: NPA Finalizes New Pay Framework For Fuel Tanker Drivers And Mates
Ghana’s petroleum downstream regulator, the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), is intensifying efforts to finalize a framework that prescribes decent and fair wages for petroleum tanker drivers and their mates, who operate in one of the most critical sectors of the country’s economy.
For years, tanker drivers and their mates have struggled with poor working conditions, often resulting in industrial actions.
In seeking a lasting solution to these challenges, the regulator initiated stakeholder consultations to establish a Driver and Mate Remuneration Framework.
Consequently, the NPA Board approved the policy in 2024, marking a significant step toward fair wages and improved working conditions for drivers and their mates.
This portal can confirm that the regulator engaged fuel transporters and other industry stakeholders this week to finalize the framework ahead of its implementation.
The discussions focused on improving data submission, ensuring fair pay, and strengthening compliance across the sector.
The NPA Chief Executive, Godwin Edudzi Tameklo, and his deputy, Dr. Sheilla Addo, led the stakeholder engagement, with other directors of the Authority also in attendance.
According to the NPA, it remains committed to promoting fairness, transparency, and improved welfare for drivers and mates in Ghana’s petroleum transportation sector.
Kenya: Cabinet Secretary Threatens OMCs With Licence Revocation Over Fuel Hoarding
Kenya’s Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi has warned Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) in the country against hoarding fuel, saying offenders risk losing their licences.
According to Capital FM’s report government has noted cases of firms withholding stocks in anticipation of price increases driven by global market disruptions linked to Middle East tensions.
“Notwithstanding the stable supply position, we note with concern reports of product hoarding and speculative withholding of stocks,” Wandayi said.
“This conduct is commercially opportunistic, contrary to the public interest, and in direct breach of licensing obligations.”
He reminded OMCs of their obligation to maintain continuous supply and sell fuel at prices set by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA).
The CS maintained that Kenya has adequate fuel reserves, with the Kenya Pipeline Company holding 102 million litres of petrol, 146 million litres of diesel and 167 million litres of kerosene/Jet A-1.
“These stocks are sufficient to meet national demand, benchmarked against average daily consumption,” he said.
Wandayi added that supplies for the April fuel cycle are on track, with confirmed deliveries of 330 million litres of petrol and 288 million litres of diesel, alongside additional kerosene cargo expected.
He further noted that there have been no disruptions reported under the government-to-government fuel import arrangement.
“If you contravene any of the conditions in the licences, you face serious consequences,” he warned.
Tanzania: Energy Minister Directs EWURA To Inspect Fuel Depots To Prevent Hoarding
Tanzania’s Minister for Energy, Deogratius Ndejembi, has instructed the Energy and Water Utilities Regulatory Authority (EWURA) to ensure that no trader hoards fuel under the pretext of waiting for prices to rise amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which has caused supply challenges in some countries.
Speaking in Dodoma during a meeting with institutions under the Ministry overseeing the petroleum sector, Ndejembi stated that the country has a strong fuel security position. He emphasized that the government is well prepared to ensure citizens across all regions continue to receive services without disruption.
He therefore directed EWURA to ensure that no fuel is hidden in storage depots.
To ensure that all imported fuel reaches the country in accordance with contractual agreements, Ndejembi also directed the formation of a special task force to monitor fuel imports.
The team will include experts from the Petroleum Bulk Procurement Agency (PBPA), EWURA, the Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC), as well as representatives from security agencies.
“This team will be responsible for closely monitoring every stage to ensure that all fuel shipments destined for the country arrive on time without any obstacles or challenges. The global fuel market situation is currently unstable—prices have doubled in some countries—and some traders may be tempted to divert supplies elsewhere. In this regard, I do not expect to see any violation of the contracts we have entered into with fuel importers,” Ndejembi emphasized.
Meanwhile, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Energy responsible for Petroleum and Natural Gas, James Mataragio, assured Tanzanians that the country has sufficient fuel reserves to last until July 2026.
He noted that the government had taken early measures, in collaboration with its institutions, to ensure a reliable and affordable fuel supply.
He added that the Ministry will continue supervising its agencies to ensure that incoming fuel shipments arrive on time and that traders do not exploit the situation to raise prices.
Earlier, the Executive Director of PBPA, Erasto Simon, said the country’s fuel supply situation remains stable.
He explained that, combining fuel available locally and in transit, Tanzania has 474 million litres of petrol sufficient for 78 days, 392 million litres of diesel sufficient for 50 days, and 55 million litres of jet fuel sufficient for 91 days.
Similarly, the Managing Director of TPDC, Mussa Makame, affirmed that there is adequate fuel both within the country and in transit, noting that the government had already signed supply contracts early.
Meanwhile, EWURA Director General, James Andilile, said the market is currently stable, with no inflationary pressure. He assured that EWURA will prevent traders from hoarding fuel in anticipation of global price increases.
He added that EWURA continues to collaborate with stakeholders, including importers and distributors, to promptly address any emerging challenges and ensure reliable service delivery to citizens.
Nigeria: NERC, State Regulators Launch FONER To Boost Power Sector Regulation
The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has inaugurated a new forum aimed at enhancing coordination and effectiveness in electricity regulation across Nigeria.
Speaking at the first quarter 2026 regulatory meeting with State Electricity Regulators (SERs) in Lagos, NERC Chairman, Dr. Musiliu Oseni, described the initiative as a major step in Nigeria’s transition to a multi-level electricity market.
Inaugurating the Forum of Nigerian Electricity Regulators (FONER), Dr. Oseni emphasized the need for collaboration to prevent regulatory loopholes within the sector.
“We must work collaboratively to avoid regulatory arbitrage by operators. I charge all of us to carry out this mandate with the highest sense of responsibility.
“Pursuant to Section 230(9) of the Electricity Act 2023, I hereby declare the Forum of Nigerian Electricity Regulators duly inaugurated,” he said.
FONER is expected to drive key regulatory objectives, including fostering dialogue between NERC and SERs, promoting harmonized approaches to tariff setting, market operations, and consumer protection, and supporting capacity building through peer learning.
The forum will also serve as a consultative platform for electricity market reforms while advancing transparency, accountability, and national regulatory benchmarks.
Dr. Oseni will serve as Chairman, alongside Engr. Chijioke Okonkwo of the Enugu State Electricity Regulatory Commission (ESERC) as Vice Chairman, and Aisha Mahmud, NERC Commissioner for the Stakeholder Management Division, as Secretary.
The quarterly regulatory meeting continues to serve as a platform for NERC and state regulators to exchange ideas, strengthen collaboration, and drive improvements in Nigeria’s electricity supply industry, with the ultimate goal of expanding access to reliable power for Nigerians.
The meeting reviewed the fourth quarter 2025 action log, the signing and launch of the FONER Charter, and the inauguration of the forum’s leadership.
TotalEnergies Exits U.S. Offshore Wind, Signals Increased Investment in Gas Projects
TotalEnergies has signed settlement agreements with the United States Department of the Interior to exit offshore wind development projects in the United States.
Under the agreements, the company will relinquish its Carolina Long Bay and New York Bight leases, which were awarded in 2022. The move marks a strategic shift in TotalEnergies’ investment approach, effectively ending its pursuit of offshore wind projects in the U.S.
As part of the settlement, TotalEnergies will recover the lease fees it previously paid and reinvest an equivalent amount into U.S. gas and power production, as well as export projects.
The company stated that its studies indicate offshore wind projects in the United States remain costly and could negatively impact electricity affordability for consumers. It added that alternative technologies can meet rising electricity demand more efficiently, leading to its decision not to allocate further capital to offshore wind in the country.
Commenting on the development, Chairman and CEO Patrick Pouyanné said the company supports current U.S. energy policy.
“TotalEnergies is pleased to sign these settlement agreements with the DOI and to support the Administration’s energy policy. Considering that the development of offshore wind projects is not in the country’s interest, we have decided to renounce offshore wind development in the United States, in exchange for the reimbursement of the lease fees.”
He added that the refunded funds will be redirected toward gas investments, including the construction of the 29 million tonnes Rio Grande LNG plant and the expansion of oil and gas activities.
“Furthermore, these agreements, under which we will reinvest the refunded lease fees to finance the construction of the 29 Mt Rio Grande LNG plant and the development of our oil and gas activities, allow us to support the development of U.S. gas production and exports. These investments will contribute to supplying Europe with much-needed LNG from the U.S. and provide gas for U.S. data center development. We believe this is a more efficient use of capital in the United States.”
In addition, TotalEnergies recently signed a Letter of Intent with Glenfarne for the long-term offtake of 2 million tonnes per year of LNG from the Alaska LNG project over a 20-year period, subject to a final investment decision.
TotalEnergies continues to expand its integrated energy model in the United States, where it has operated since 1957. Since 2022, the company has invested nearly $12 billion in U.S. energy projects, focusing on oil, LNG, and electricity development. It also maintains upstream gas production assets in Texas and offshore U.S. regions.
Egypt Signs Agreements For 5.6GW Of Renewable Energy And Battery Projects
Egypt has signed multiple power purchase agreements (PPAs) covering a total of 5,620 megawatts (MW) of renewable energy and battery storage capacity, according to a report by Electricity Hub.
The agreements mark a major step in the country’s efforts to expand clean energy generation and diversify its energy mix.
The deals were signed by the Ministry of Electricity and Renewable Energy with several private sector companies and were witnessed by Minister of Electricity Mahmoud Esmat.
One of the key agreements covers the development of the 900MW Ras Shukeir wind project. The project will be executed by a consortium comprising Orascom Construction, Engie, and a unit of Toyota Tsusho.
In addition to the PPA, the parties also signed a land-use agreement to facilitate project development and implementation.
The government also entered into agreements with United Egypt Group for National Industries, commonly known as Kemet, for a series of solar and energy storage projects.
These include the development of a 2GW solar park in Naga Hammadi, which will feature a standalone battery storage facility with a capacity of 2,000 megawatt-hours (MWh).
In addition, Kemet will construct two more solar plants in El-Oweinat, with capacities of 320MW and 400MW, respectively. The government had approved these projects in February, paving the way for the signing of the power offtake agreements.
The agreements represent a significant milestone in Egypt’s renewable energy expansion strategy and reinforce its commitment to building a more sustainable and diversified energy sector.
Iran’s Military Rejects Trump’s Talk Of Negotiation, Israel And Iran Launch Airstrikes
Israel and Iran exchanged airstrikes on Wednesday, as Iran’s military rejected President Donald Trump’s assertion the U.S. was in negotiations to end the war which has roiled energy and financial markets, saying the U.S. is negotiating with itself.
The rejection of negotiations by the unified command of the Iranian Armed Forces, which is dominated by the hardline elite Revolutionary Guards, comes amid reports the U.S. has sent a 15-point plan for discussion to Tehran.
“Has the level of your inner struggle reached the stage of you (Trump) negotiating with yourself?” the top spokesperson for Iran’s joint military command, Ebrahim Zolfaqari, said on Iranian state TV.
“People like us can never get along with people like you.”
“As we have always said … no one like us will make a deal with you. Not now. Not ever.”
Iran’s leadership has previously said it cannot negotiate with the U.S. as Washington has attacked the country twice during high-level negotiations in the past two years.
Iran had a “very bad experience with American diplomacy,” Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei told India Today on Tuesday.
There was no dialogue or negotiations with Washington, as Iran’s armed forces are focused on defending the country, he added.
Four weeks into the war that has killed thousands, created the worst energy shock in history and sparked global inflation fears, there was no letup in airstrikes from Iran and Israel on Wednesday.
The Israeli military said in a Telegram post it had launched a wave of strikes targeting infrastructure across Tehran. It later said its air force had struck two naval cruise missile production sites in Tehran.
The semi-official Iranian SNN News Agency said the strikes hit a residential area in the city, with rescuers searching the rubble.
Kuwait and Saudi Arabia said they had repelled fresh drone attacks, without saying where they came from. Drones targeted a fuel tank at Kuwait International Airport, causing a fire but no casualties, Kuwait’s Civil Aviation Authority said.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said it had launched a new wave of attacks against locations in Israel including Tel Aviv and Kiryat Shmona, as well as U.S. bases in Kuwait, Jordan and Bahrain, Iranian state media reported.
Trump told reporters at the White House on Tuesday the U.S. was in “negotiations” with “the right people” in Iran to end the war, adding the Iranians wanted to reach a deal very badly.
Stocks rose and oil prices fell on Wednesday on reports the U.S. is seeking a month-long ceasefire and had sent a 15-point plan to Iran for discussion, raising hopes for a resumption of oil exports out of the Persian Gulf.