Overview
- Trump, who announced Monday a five‑day pause on U.S. strikes against Iranian power and energy sites, said the step followed what he called very good talks with Tehran.
- Iran’s government denied any direct or indirect negotiations, and Iranian state media cast the pause as a U.S. climbdown after threats to mine Gulf waters and hit regional infrastructure.
- Hours after the pause was announced, Iran fired missiles and drones that struck Tel Aviv and drew interceptions over Kuwait, while Israel said its jets hit IRGC and intelligence targets in Tehran.
- Israeli officials told Reuters they doubt Iran will accept U.S. conditions on missiles and nuclear limits, and they said any deal should leverage recent military gains to protect Israeli interests.
- Mediators in Egypt, Pakistan, and Gulf states are relaying messages, with Pakistan floated as a possible venue for contacts, as oil prices swung lower on Monday’s pause then rose Tuesday on renewed strikes and the Strait of Hormuz staying tightly constrained.