Citing ongoing peace talks, US President Donald Trump has twice extended the deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or its power plants will be “destroyed.”
The status of the negotiations remains unclear, with both sides sending mixed signals. Iran has expressed deep distrust of the United States, while President Trump has grown frustrated with the pace of progress.
Meanwhile, thousands of people have been killed in the Middle East since conflict began nearly four weeks ago, and an energy crisis has begun to spread around the world.
Here’s what you need to know on day 28.
What are the main headings?
Deadline extended: President Trump said the US would postpone attacks on Iranian energy facilities for another 10 days as “talks are ongoing” with Iran. The suspension of the strike was scheduled to expire on Friday.
Difficult negotiations: President Trump says it’s up to Iranian leaders to convince them to “get serious” and end the war, saying he has no interest in striking a deal. On Thursday, he expressed dissatisfaction with Tehran’s approach and warned that time was running out for negotiations. Meanwhile, Iranian officials said they were “completely in doubt” about Washington’s willingness to agree to ceasefire talks.
Iranian Navy Commander Killed: Alireza Tansiri, commander of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy, has been killed, according to Israel’s Defense Minister. Tansiri oversaw a near-total shutdown of shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, according to the United States and Israel. Iranian authorities have not commented on the rumors of Tansiri’s death.
Knock-on effects of war: Countries around the world are feeling the aftermath of war, with some resorting to austerity measures. South Korea has declared an emergency economic response to the energy crisis. Japan began releasing oil from its national reserves. And the Philippines has declared a state of emergency, leaving only about 40 to 45 days of oil supplies left.
Market Fears: Global markets are in turmoil due to the war, which has affected not only stocks but also safe-haven assets such as bonds, gold and currencies, which have also fallen this month. The Dow, S&P 500 and Nasdaq are all on track for their worst month of the year.
Ongoing fighting: Attacks continue across the region, with the Israeli military announcing a wave of attacks “in central Tehran” early Friday morning. Kuwait also fended off “hostile missile and drone attacks” early Friday, warning civilians that the sounds of explosions heard were the result of air defense intercepts.
Israel Defense Forces Warning: Multiple fronts are open and the Israel Defense Forces are under severe stress, the Israeli army chief of staff warned government ministers on Wednesday, officials said.
Nuclear power plants: The head of the United Nations’ nuclear watchdog on Thursday expressed “deep concern” over recent military attacks that “allegedly” took place near Iran’s Bushehr nuclear power plant, warning that damage to operating facilities could cause a “massive radiological accident.”
