Confusing signals in US-Iran negotiations: Tehran denies talks, Washington says "leave some room for peace," suspected drone attack on Saudi Aramco oil and gas facilities.

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The US-Iran conflict has entered a fragile ceasefire period, but there are serious discrepancies in signals from all sides, and the situation could reverse at any time.

According to CCTV News, on July 25 local time, Trump ordered the US military not to launch new airstrikes against Iran that day, ending nearly two weeks of continuous daily strikes. Two informed sources stated that this move is partly to "leave some room" for diplomatic negotiations.

However, according to the latest CCTV report, on the 27th local time, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Baghaei stated at a press conference that there are currently no negotiations between Iran and the United States. At the same time, reports on Monday indicated that Saudi Aramco's oil processing facility in Abqaiq, Eastern Province, was suspected to have been attacked by drones and missiles and caught fire, making it one of the world's largest crude oil stabilization facilities. If substantially damaged, it would have a significant impact on the global oil supply.

The ceasefire has now lasted about two days, but the US blockade of Iranian ports continues, and military operations by both sides could resume at any time. Iran insists it controls the Strait of Hormuz and claims that "only Tehran decides when the conflict ends."

Washington releases signals for negotiation, but internal disagreements are apparent

According to CCTV, US Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz said in a Fox News interview on Sunday that Trump is "leaving a little room" for negotiations, stating that Oman, Iran, and several negotiators have been in intensive contact at various levels, especially in recent days.

However, there are clear splits within Washington about whether to resume military action. According to reports, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine privately warned that resuming major combat operations against Iran would seriously deplete Central Command's (Centcom) existing interceptor missile reserves. Axios, citing two informed sources, reported that Centcom Commander General Brad Cooper has recommended ending bombing operations near the Strait of Hormuz, arguing the action had reached its limits of effectiveness. Vice President Vance also expressed concerns to the president at a White House meeting on Friday about the risks of escalating the war.

Regarding reports about a shortage of interceptor missile reserves, Waltz firmly denied this, stating, "I have verified in many ways that the US military has all the resources needed to effectively carry out this operation."

Tehran denies negotiations, maintains tough stance

According to CCTV, on Monday Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Baghaei stated clearly that there are currently "no negotiations" with the United States, and characterized Trump's recent claims that Iran is "seeking talks" as "fake news." He also noted that Iran does not rule out safeguarding national interests through diplomatic means, and revealed that Iran and Omani officials have held several rounds of "constructive" talks on vessel passage management in the Strait of Hormuz, according to Bloomberg.

On the military front, Iran remains tough. According to Xinhua News Agency, Ebrahim Azizi, chairman of the National Security and Foreign Policy Committee of Iran's Islamic Parliament, warned Ukraine on the 27th that it will pay a price for attacks on Iran. Both the United States and Israel have realized this, and Ukraine will soon realize it as well. "Iran will not leave an attack unanswered." Meanwhile, an unnamed Iranian official told Reuters that Tehran's position remains "attack for attack"—if the US side stops attacking, Iran will also stop operations, and the message has been relayed to the US.

Abqaiq facility suspected of being attacked, global oil market faces impact risk

Last week, the Houthis launched two attacks in one day on Saudi Red Sea port oil facilities. According to CCTV News on July 25, the Houthis issued a statement claiming two rounds of strikes against Saudi Aramco facilities on the Red Sea coast—first against Jazan, second against Yanbu—using ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones, and claiming "precise, direct hits." According to Xinhua News Agency, Saudi Arabia quickly retaliated with air strikes, hitting several Houthi positions in Ma'rib and Al-Jawf provinces, killing several militants including missile technicians.

Tensions in Saudi Arabia escalated again on Monday. Iran's state news agency Tasnim quoted sources and on-site images reporting that Saudi Aramco's oil processing facility in Abqaiq, Eastern Province, was attacked by drones and missiles and caught fire. The Saudi Ministry of Defense later confirmed via Al Arabiya TV that drones from Iraq attempting to attack oil and gas facilities in the Eastern Province and Riyadh had been intercepted.

Abqaiq is the world's largest oil stabilization and processing facility, with international agencies generally estimating a maximum processing capacity of 7 million barrels per day, and a normal operating capacity of about 4.9 million barrels per day. Houthi media hyped the fire at the facility on the same day; the group's military spokesman Yahya Sare previously claimed responsibility for attacks on Saudi Aramco's Jazan and Yanbu sites. International media reported that black smoke could be seen at related locations, but Saudi officials have not yet officially confirmed all details of the attacks.

If confirmed, damage to Abqaiq would be the most far-reaching event for the global energy market in this round of conflict so far.

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