Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
James Reynolds

Why the Iran war is no closer to ending – despite Trump’s energy strikes pause

  • Donald Trump claimed "very good and productive" conversations with Tehran over the past two days regarding a "complete and total resolution of hostilities in the Middle East".
  • Trump announced on social media that he had instructed the US defence department to postpone strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure, hours before his ultimatum for Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face "obliteration" was due to expire.
  • Iran's foreign ministry promptly denied any direct talks with the US, suggesting Trump's claims were an attempt to reassure inflamed energy markets and gain time for his military plans – in a sign the war is no closer to ending.
  • The ministry added that while regional initiatives for de-escalation exist, all requests should be directed towards the US, as Iran did not initiate the conflict.
  • Iran also issued threats, including attacking all power plants in the region if the US proceeded with strikes, and laying mines across the entire Persian Gulf if its coast or islands were attacked, amidst rising energy prices due to the Strait of Hormuz closure.

IN FULL

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.