The U.S.-Israel-Iran conflict entered its 24th day on Monday, with attention focused on a sharp divergence between the United States and Iran over whether the two sides are engaged in talks.
On Monday, U.S. President Donald Trump said he had ordered a five-day delay of planned strikes on Iranian power plants and energy facilities, citing what he described as "very good and productive conversations" over the past two days aimed at easing tensions in the Middle East.
Iran rejected the claim. The Iranian Foreign Ministry on Monday denied having negotiations with the United States.
Esmaeil Baghaei, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson, said friendly countries recently sent messages to Iran indicating U.S. desire to begin talks on ending the war, but Iran has not responded.
Baghaei also said Iran's stance on the Strait of Hormuz as well as its conditions to end the war have not changed.
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf also denied the claim on social media platform X, saying "no negotiations have been held" with the U.S.
The developments came amid heightened regional tensions following joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran starting on Feb. 28, to which Iran and its regional allies responded with attacks on Israeli and U.S. interests across the Middle East.
Trump claims 'productive' talks with Iran, Iran denies any negotiations
The three-day Zhongxi Cherry Blossom Cultural Tourism Season kicked off on Friday at Zhongxi Sakura Alley in Pinghu City in east China's Zhejiang Province, with tens of thousands of cherry trees in full bloom making for a stunning backdrop to the event.
"I come here every year to see the cherry blossoms. I feel like the flowers bloom exceptionally well here," said a visitor.
The cherry blossom viewing season at the tourist attraction will continue until mid-April.
As well as cherry blossoms, the scenic area currently abounds with tulips, February orchids, hydrangeas, and pink muhly grass. The area is planted with flowers that will bloom in every season, making it a year-round horticultural attraction.
For this year's blossom season, a fair has been launched at the site with over 100 stalls offering visitors culinary delights, cultural and creative products, and intangible cultural heritage experiences, many of them flower-themed.
"This time, we've introduced some cherry blossom-themed bakery products, such as cherry blossom cookies, biscuits, and mung bean cakes. The items we brought in this morning have been largely sold out, and new suppliers are on the way," said one stall owner.
To promote the integration of culture and tourism, the Pinghu Economic Development Zone established the Lingyingge Cultural and Creative Gallery last year, which is celebrating its first anniversary this year.
The gallery features over 40 cultural and creative souvenirs and more than 100 industrial tourism products, transforming local culture and traditions into tangible products and souvenirs that visitors can take home.
On Saturday, a fashion design center in the economic development zone officially opened its doors, putting its down jackets, luggage and children's strollers on public display for the first time.
On Sunday night, a grand ceremony for the cherry blossom cultural tourism season, including a music awards ceremony and a 700-drone light show, was held, furthering showcasing the charm of Pinghu City.
"By taking advantage of the cherry blossom cultural and tourism season, we aim to offer visitors more than just beautiful scenery -- we want them to take away memorable experiences and products. Our goal is to turn foot traffic into lasting engagement, and transform picturesque landscapes into a thriving cultural economy," said Chen Zehao, deputy director of the Pinghu Economic Development Zone Management Committee.
Blossoming cherry trees draw tourists from far and wide to east China city
