US President Donald Trump’s about-face on his ultimatum to Iran has cooled oil prices even as Tehran denies Trump’s claims that the two countries have spoken.
Iran and Israel continue to exchange attacks as violence against Palestinians escalates in the occupied West Bank, but President Trump’s five-day suspension of threats provides some respite for potential talks.
Here’s what you need to know on day 25.
What are the main headings?
President Trump postpones threat: President Trump suspended his threat to attack Iranian power plants for five days after claiming that the United States and Iran reached “key points of agreement” in talks last weekend, but it is not clear who the United States is negotiating with within Iran’s leadership.
Iran’s denial: According to state media, Iran’s Foreign Ministry said there was “no dialogue” between Tehran and the United States. They dismissed Mr. Trump’s claims as an attempt to lower energy prices and buy time for military programs. One of the supreme leader’s senior military advisers said the war will continue until Iran receives full compensation for the damage it has suffered.
Diplomatic efforts: Countries continue to seek a diplomatic solution to the war, with Pakistan offering to host talks involving Iran, Israel, and the United States. Turkey’s foreign minister has met with more than a dozen countries in the region and around the world over the past 48 hours to discuss efforts to end the war. “It’s time to come to the negotiating table and end hostilities” on Iran, the European Commission president said on Tuesday.
Israel’s response: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said President Trump believes there is an opportunity to turn military gains into an agreement that “protects our vital interests.” But Prime Minister Netanyahu said Israel would continue its attacks on Iran and Lebanon.
Market reaction: Asian stocks rallied on Tuesday, and global oil prices plunged after President Trump’s announcement, easing days of rising oil prices and market turmoil.
Iran plans attacks: Iran is planning possible military action targeting Tel Aviv and some regional allies of the United States and Israel, Iran’s semi-official Fars news agency reported on Monday, citing Iranian sources.
Israel attacks Tehran: The Israeli military announced on Monday that it had carried out “large-scale wave attacks” against Iranian infrastructure, including attacking one of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps headquarters, along with several other military facilities in Tehran.
West Bank violence: Israel is diverting combat battalions from its northern border with Lebanon to the occupied West Bank amid a surge in settler violence against Palestinians during the war, according to Israeli military officials. Israeli human rights group Yesh Din said there had been an average of 10 attacks by settlers against Palestinians a day since early March.
