President Trump says Iran asked for direct talks 'very late'

Israel is targeting Iran’s missile manufacturing capabilities, according to Israel Defense Forces spokesperson Effie Defrin.

Israeli strikes over the past day hit 60 locations, including centrifuge and anti-tank missile production sites in and around Tehran, he said on Wednesday.

“Our message to them is clear: If you attempt to rebuild your terror capabilities in the region, you will be struck,” Defrin said.

The military is prepared for all contingencies, including the aftermath of a possible strike on Iran, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Wednesday.

“We have plans for everything, senator,” Hegseth told Sen. Elissa Slotkin during a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing, according to the official transcript.

Pressed on whether “day after” force protection or troop deployment plans had been authorized, Hegseth declined to offer details in a public setting.

Tehran had 60 days to accept a deal and understood President Donald Trump’s position clearly, he added.

“They had an opportunity to make a deal, they should have made a deal,” Hegseth said.

“President Trump’s word means something … and at the Defense Department our job is to stand ready and prepared with options and that’s precisely what we’re doing,” he added.

Iran summoned the German ambassador to Tehran on Wednesday to protest what it called “offensive remarks” by Friedrich Merz, Iranian media including the semi-official Mehr News Agency reported.

The complete destruction of Iran’s nuclear weapons program could be considered if Tehran refuses to return to negotiations, Merz said Tuesday.

Israeli army is now in the sixth day of its military campaign targeting the Islamic Republic’s nuclear and ballistic missile threats, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Wednesday night.

“They control the skies of Tehran, strike with nuclear weapons and missiles, and the people's spirit is strong,” Netanyahu said in a video message.

Israeli forces are hitting nuclear sites, missile depots, command centers, and symbolic government targets he added.

Netanyahu also thanked US President Donald Trump for supporting Israel and helping defend its airspace, saying close consultations are ongoing.

Iran summoned the Swiss envoy in Tehran on Wednesday to protest US President Donald Trump’s remarks, Iranian media including the semi-official Mehr News Agency said.

Trump had earlier demanded Iran’s “unconditional surrender.”