President Donald Trump has postponed military strikes against Iranian power plants following two days of high-level talks with Tehran. The pause, lasting five days, hinges on the success of ongoing discussions aimed at resolving Middle East hostilities.
The move reverses a previous 48-hour ultimatum demanding Iran cease blocking the Strait of Hormuz or face 'obliteration' of its energy network. Iran had threatened to mine the Persian Gulf and strike regional facilities if the U.S. acted.
Iran’s state media declared the U.S. had 'backed down,' while global markets reacted positively-oil prices dropped 10% and natural gas fell 6%. Still, the conflict persists: Israel launched wide-scale strikes on Iran, and Tehran retaliated with missile attacks on the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
Casualties exceed 2,500, including over 1,500 in Iran and more than 1,000 in Lebanon. Fifteen Israelis and 13 U.S. military personnel have died.