The latest
President Donald Trump said he paused US strikes on Iran to give negotiations another chance but warned that expanded military operations could resume if diplomacy does not produce a rapid agreement.
Trump said the United States was engaged in “very deep talks” with Iran and would not allow the diplomatic process much time. He said mediating countries had asked him not to launch further strikes and that he believed Tehran wanted a deal.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman said mediators may be carrying US messages but denied that formal negotiations were underway. The mutual pause continued for a third day, with Washington holding off on attacks and Tehran suspending strikes against US bases and Gulf countries.
Details
- Negotiating focus: Talks center on a new arrangement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and restart negotiations on a comprehensive nuclear settlement.
- Mediators: Oman is leading contacts with Iran, while Qatar, Pakistan, Egypt and Trump envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are also involved.
- Progress without a deal: Regional sources said the Oman-Iran negotiations had advanced, but no final agreement had been reached.
- Service fees: One proposal would allow Iran, Oman and other countries to charge reasonable fees for maritime security, environmental protection and specific services.
- International model: The Strait of Malacca was cited as a possible template, with Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore charging vessels for defined services rather than imposing a blanket transit fee.
- Joint fund: Mediators are considering directing the fees into a shared fund administered with the involvement of the International Maritime Organization.
- Market impact: Brent crude fell about 6% to below $91 a barrel as the immediate risk of escalation receded.
- Weapons stockpiles: Trump acknowledged wanting more advanced munitions, particularly Patriot interceptors, while maintaining that US forces had what they needed.
- Regional tension: Risks persisted after the Houthis claimed attacks on Saudi oil facilities and Riyadh said it intercepted drones launched from Iraq.
- Israel meeting: Trump is due to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House to discuss Iran and its nuclear program.
Between the lines
The strike pause is a conditional tactical truce, not a permanent shift toward diplomacy. Trump is using the threat of military force to pressure Iran, while conflicting US and Iranian accounts suggest that contacts may remain indirect and less advanced than Washington portrays.
What to watch
The confrontation will depend on whether mediators can quickly produce an acceptable Hormuz shipping arrangement and on the outcome of Trump’s meeting with Netanyahu. Without tangible progress, the US could return to broader strikes, potentially prompting Iran to resume its regional attacks.
