US-Iran Conflict: Strikes Paused as Negotiations Begin – Latest Updates
President Trump has postponed a threatened military strike against Iran, following what officials describe as “decent and productive” conversations with Tehran regarding de-escalation in the Middle East. The announcement, made Monday, came hours before a deadline Trump had set for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for global oil shipments, or face attacks on its power plants.
While Trump characterized the discussions as a path toward “complete and total resolution of our hostilities,” Iranian state media denied any direct talks with the U.S., claiming Trump “retreated” from his ultimatum “out of fear of Iran’s response.” A senior Iranian Foreign Ministry official, speaking exclusively to CBS News, confirmed that “points” from the U.S. Had been received through mediators and were under review.
The shift in tone follows a period of escalating tensions. Over the weekend, Iran responded to Trump’s threats with attacks targeting Israel and Gulf states, alongside renewed threats to mine the entire Persian Gulf and disrupt maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. U.S. Intelligence assessments indicate at least a dozen Iranian mines are currently positioned in the Strait, according to CBS News sources.
Trump’s initial ultimatum demanded Iran fully open the Strait of Hormuz “without threat” within 48 hours, warning of strikes against Iranian power plants, starting with the “biggest one first.” This threat drew criticism due to potential violations of the Geneva Conventions, which prohibit attacks on “objects indispensable to the survival of the civilian population.” The destruction of power plants could cripple essential services like hospitals and water treatment facilities.
In response to Trump’s threat, an Iranian military spokesman warned that any attack on its energy grid would be met with retaliatory strikes targeting U.S.-linked energy facilities in the region. Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, Iran’s Parliament Speaker, stated on X that critical infrastructure throughout the region would be “destroyed in an irreversible manner” should Iran’s power plants be attacked. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) further warned that the Strait of Hormuz would be “completely closed” until Iran’s power plants were rebuilt.
The U.S. Military has been actively engaged in the conflict for 24 days, with U.S. Central Command reporting over 9,000 Iranian targets hit, including more than 140 Iranian naval vessels, and approximately 9,000 combat flights flown. Despite this sustained campaign, Iran has continued to launch retaliatory attacks, albeit at a slower pace. A rights group estimates that more than 3,200 people have been killed in Iran as a result of the strikes, including at least 214 children.
Trump indicated the U.S. Would delay military strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure for five days while negotiations continue. Crude oil prices fell following the announcement. However, the precise nature of the “points” under review by Iranian officials remains undisclosed, and the status of direct communication between Washington and Tehran remains disputed.