In a significant development aimed at de-escalating the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Monday that he had instructed a five-day postponement of any planned military strikes targeting Iranian power plants. This decision came just hours before a critical deadline that threatened to intensify the confrontation, which has now extended into its fourth week. The president emphasized that during the past two days, the United States and Iran engaged in “very good and productive” discussions focused on achieving a “complete and total resolution of hostilities” in the region.
Further elaborating on the situation, President Trump revealed that his special envoy, Steve Witkoff, along with his son-in-law Jared Kushner—who had been involved in diplomatic efforts with Iran prior to the outbreak of hostilities—held extensive talks with a senior Iranian official late Sunday evening. These conversations were set to continue into Monday, reflecting a serious attempt to find common ground. Trump described the negotiations as “very, very strong,” noting that there were major points of agreement between the two sides, suggesting a real possibility of reaching a deal to end the conflict.
While the president refrained from disclosing the identity of the Iranian interlocutor, he clarified that the discussions were not with Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei. Instead, Trump indicated that the U.S. was engaging with a highly respected Iranian leader who still holds significant influence within the country’s political landscape. This nuanced approach highlights the complex internal dynamics within Iran and the U.S. strategy to engage with key figures capable of steering the nation toward peace.
Adding an international dimension to the negotiations, it emerged that representatives from Turkey, Egypt, and Pakistan had met separately with both Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi. These meetings underscore the regional efforts to mediate and reduce tensions between the two adversaries. The Iranian Foreign Ministry acknowledged the existence of “initiatives” aimed at calming the situation, with Tehran insisting that Washington, as the party that initiated the conflict, must be directly involved in any peace process.
The announcement of the delay in military action had immediate repercussions in global markets. Brent crude oil prices dropped sharply by approximately 13%, falling back below the $100 per barrel mark, before stabilizing around $101.66 by mid-afternoon GMT. Concurrently, stock markets rebounded, with U.S. futures reversing earlier losses to gain about 1.3%. These market movements reflect investor optimism that diplomatic efforts could prevent further escalation and economic disruption.
President Trump also confirmed ongoing communications with Israel, a key U.S. ally in the region, assuring that the Israeli government would be “very happy” with the progress made in talks. A source familiar with Israel’s military planning indicated that Washington had kept Israeli officials informed about the negotiations with Tehran. It appears Israel is prepared to follow the U.S. lead by suspending any planned strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office did not immediately comment on the developments or the decision to hold off on attacks.
The backdrop to these diplomatic efforts is a conflict that has already claimed over 2,000 lives since the U.S. and Israel launched military operations against Iran on February 28. The war has severely disrupted global markets, driven up fuel prices, heightened inflation concerns worldwide, and shaken the cohesion of Western defense alliances. The prospect of strikes against Iran’s electricity grid raised alarms about widespread disruption, particularly to desalination plants that provide critical drinking water to Gulf countries. These plants are essential for sustaining life in arid regions such as Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia, where water scarcity is a persistent challenge.
Iran has effectively sealed off the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a vital maritime chokepoint through which nearly 20% of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas shipments pass. This blockade has intensified fears of a prolonged energy crisis. Fatih Birol, the executive director of the International Energy Agency, described the current energy turmoil as more severe than the combined oil shocks of the 1970s and the gas shortages triggered by Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
In response to the looming threat of U.S. strikes, Iran’s Defence Council escalated its warnings by threatening to mine the entire Gulf region, which would severely disrupt all maritime routes. The council’s statement warned that such actions would render the Gulf as perilous as the Strait of Hormuz for an extended period, further complicating global energy supplies and regional security.
Meanwhile, the Israeli military intensified its campaign with a fresh wave of strikes targeting infrastructure in Tehran. Iranian news outlets reported casualties from these attacks, including six deaths and 43 injuries in the western city of Khorramabad, where residential buildings were hit. In the southern city of Bushehr, a strike on the local meteorological organization resulted in the death of the head of meteorology for the airport. The Iranian Red Crescent shared footage showing significant damage to a residential building in northern Tehran, with emergency responders evacuating residents from the upper floors.
Adding to the regional volatility, Saudi Arabia’s defense ministry reported that two ballistic missiles were launched toward Riyadh. One missile was intercepted successfully, while the other landed in an uninhabited area, avoiding casualties. These developments highlight the broader regional repercussions of the conflict and the urgent need for diplomatic solutions to prevent further escalation.
