Iran-US Conflict: Trump Postpones Strikes, Seeks Deal – Live Updates
President Donald Trump announced Monday that planned military strikes against Iranian energy infrastructure have been postponed, citing progress in ongoing negotiations with Tehran regarding the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. The decision represents a reversal from a firm 48-hour ultimatum issued Saturday, threatening “obliteration” of Iran’s power plants if the vital waterway was not cleared for commercial traffic.
The shift in strategy comes after Iran threatened retaliatory attacks on Israel and Gulf states over the weekend, as well as laying sea mines across the “entire Persian Gulf,” in response to the initial threat. Iranian state media reported that Tehran does not acknowledge any negotiations and characterized Trump’s delay as a retreat “out of fear of Iran’s response.”
Traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil supplies, has been significantly disrupted following Iran’s de facto blockade initiated last month, sending oil prices surging. According to reports, diesel prices have surpassed $5 a gallon, raising concerns about broader economic impacts.
The United Kingdom is bolstering its defensive posture in the Gulf region, deploying short-range air defense systems to Bahrain, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia, Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced Monday. The U.K. Is also distributing air defense missiles to its Gulf partners and has embedded airspace specialists in the region to counter Iranian missile attacks. Defense minister John Healey stated the country is deploying its Rapid Sentry anti-drone system to Kuwait, describing it as a “battle-tested” system effective against drones.
HMS Dragon, a British warship, has also arrived in the eastern Mediterranean to defend Cyprus, Healey added. These deployments follow waves of Iranian barrages targeting Gulf states in retaliation for U.S.-Israeli strikes within Iran, which a rights group claims have resulted in over 3,200 deaths, including at least 214 children, over the past 24 days.
President Trump had previously criticized NATO allies for declining to assist in securing the Strait of Hormuz, labeling them “cowardly.” He also downplayed the strategic importance of the waterway, suggesting it would eventually “open itself.” Trump told CNBC he is “particularly intent on making a deal” with Iran, while markets surged following reports of a potential resolution.
The evolving situation has prompted scrutiny of Trump’s strategy, with questions raised about U.S. War preparation. The White House has not confirmed the nature of the “solid and productive” peace talks referenced Monday, and Iranian officials continue to deny any engagement.