Trump Postpones Iran Strikes, Claims Deal Possible Amidst Strait of Hormuz Tensions
US President Donald Trump said Tuesday that the United States was engaged in discussions with a “respected” Iranian leader, while simultaneously extending a deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The extension, adding five days to a previous 48-hour ultimatum, came after Trump claimed Iran was showing a willingness to negotiate an complete to the ongoing conflict.
Trump told reporters that Iran “wants to make a deal,” and that preliminary talks had been held Sunday between US envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, his son-in-law, and an unnamed Iranian leader. He clarified that the US had not engaged with Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei. The announcement prompted a significant drop in oil prices and a surge in stock markets, offering a momentary reprieve after escalating threats over the weekend.
Although, Iran swiftly denied any negotiations had taken place. Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, the speaker of the Iranian parliament, posted on X, stating, “No negotiations have been held with the US,” and characterizing claims of talks as “fakenews” used to manipulate financial and oil markets.
Trump had previously threatened to “obliterate” Iran’s power plants if the country did not lift its restrictions on the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for global oil transport, within 48 hours. The initial deadline expired late Monday Washington time. The five-day extension, Trump stated, is “subject to the success of the ongoing meetings and discussions.”
The Iranian state-owned IRAN newspaper suggested Trump’s comments were “part of efforts to reduce energy prices and buy time to implement his military plans.”
Turkish and Egyptian officials have indicated they are acting as intermediaries, having spoken with both sides of the conflict. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan reportedly spoke with his Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araghchi, while Egypt’s President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi stated Cairo had delivered “clear messages” to Iran urging de-escalation. Türkiye has previously served as a conduit for talks between Tehran and Washington.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed the UK was aware of the discussions between the US and Iran, but offered no further details.
The war, initiated by the United States and Israel, has resulted in over 2,000 deaths and disrupted the global economy. It has likewise raised concerns about the safety of air corridors and pushed oil prices to elevated levels. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard had previously threatened retaliation against US infrastructure, including power plants, should Trump carry out his threat to strike Iranian facilities.
Qalibaf also stated that Iran would consider vital infrastructure across the region, including desalination plants crucial for providing drinking water to Gulf nations, as legitimate targets. The semiofficial Fars news agency even published a list of potential targets, including the United Arab Emirates’ nuclear power plant.
Over the weekend, Iran launched missiles targeting Dimona, Israel, a site suspected of being linked to Israel’s nuclear weapons program, though the facility sustained no damage.
Trump indicated that a potential deal with Iran would involve the US taking control of Iran’s enriched uranium, a key component of its nuclear program. However, Iran has consistently rejected such demands, asserting its right to enrich uranium for peaceful purposes.
The conflict has also seen escalating violence beyond Iran, with Israel launching new attacks on Tehran and Lebanon. Explosions were reported in multiple locations in Tehran, and Israel has been engaged in clashes with Hezbollah in Lebanon, targeting apartment buildings in Beirut and bridges in southern Lebanon. The UN peacekeeping force in southern Lebanon reported a projectile striking its headquarters in Naqoura, attributing it to a non-state actor, likely Hezbollah.
As of Tuesday, Iranian authorities reported over 1,500 deaths within Iran, while Israel has confirmed 15 deaths from Iranian strikes. At least 13 US military members have been killed, along with more than a dozen civilians in the occupied West Bank and Gulf Arab states.