Trump Extends Deadline on Iran Strikes

President Donald Trump has extended his deadline to strike Iranian power plants by five days, citing what he described as 'productive conversations' with Iran. The decision comes amid escalating tensions over the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global oil transport.

The extension was announced via a post on Truth Social from Trump's Florida residence. According to Reuters, he instructed the Department of War to postpone any military strikes against Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure for five days, subject to the success of these talks. However, Iranian officials denied any negotiations had taken place, with state-owned IRNA newspaper reporting that Iran’s foreign ministry said no negotiations had occurred.

The Strait of Hormuz has been effectively closed since the early days of the war, leading to soaring energy prices and significant political repercussions for Trump ahead of pivotal midterm elections. The closure has also resulted in more than 2,000 deaths, including six U.S. service members killed and dozens injured in an Iranian drone attack on a base in Kuwait.

Despite the mixed messages, some countries have been involved in mediation efforts. The Guardian reported that Oman, Turkey, Egypt, and Pakistan have all been working to broker an end to hostilities. Oman’s foreign minister, Badr Albusaidi, stated that Oman was actively working to secure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz.

The global oil market has responded positively to Trump's extension of the deadline, with prices easing back and financial markets regaining some of their recent losses. However, the situation remains volatile, and analysts suggest that Trump may need to find an 'off-ramp' soon to set limits on the military operation's scope.

Reuters also confirmed Trump's extension of the deadline but did not mention any denial from Iranian officials. According to these sources, Trump's statement came after Iran threatened to attack Israel's power plants and those supplying U.S. bases across the Gulf region.

The Guardian reported that Israel struck Tehran on Wednesday, targeting infrastructure with a wave of strikes. The semi-official Iranian SNN News Agency said the strikes hit a residential area in the city, with rescuers searching the rubble. Kuwait and Saudi Arabia repelled fresh drone attacks, causing a fire at Kuwait International Airport but no casualties.

BBC reported that oil prices fell sharply after Trump's announcement of negotiations, with Brent crude dropping by 6.6% to $97.56 per barrel. Stocks rose in Asia Pacific markets as investors weighed developments in the Middle East.

The Guardian also noted that the US is poised to deploy airborne troops to the Middle East, with 3,000 troops from the Army’s elite 82nd Airborne Division expected to join thousands of US marines already heading for the Gulf. The paratroopers would add to the 50,000 U.S. troops already in the region.

Reuters reported that Trump cited progress with Iran and confirmed that Washington had sent a 15-point settlement proposal to Tehran. The plan includes dismantling Iran's nuclear program, ceasing support for proxy groups, and reopening the Strait of Hormuz. However, Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf dismissed reports of direct talks as 'fake news'.

Al Jazeera reported that despite Trump’s claims of peace talks, US-Israeli attacks continued to hit several cities across Iran, including Tehran, Tabriz, Isfahan, and Karaj. Iranian media reported strikes on gas facilities and pipelines, partially damaging infrastructure in central Iran.

The Guardian also highlighted that Israel launched new strikes on Tehran after Trump paused energy attacks. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) said it would continue operations until instructed otherwise but suggested they might spare energy infrastructure, following Washington's lead.