Overview
- President Donald Trump said he halted a planned “massive” military attack to allow talks and called the pause Iran’s “last chance,” with the move announced on Monday.
- Iran’s Foreign Ministry rejected U.S. claims of direct negotiations and said its only ongoing discussions were technical talks with Oman about a new shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz.
- A cargo vessel reported being hit near Hormuz and commercial transits through the waterway remain far below pre-war levels, underscoring continuing threats to shipping.
- Mr. Trump warned of severe action including targeted strikes on leadership and said U.S. forces remain ready to act quickly if diplomatic efforts fail.
- Control of the Strait of Hormuz is the central bargaining point because about one-fifth of global oil and LNG previously passed there, leaving energy markets and regional mediators closely watching the outcome.