President Donald Trump issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Iran, threatening airstrikes on energy infrastructure if the Strait of Hormuz remained closed to international shipping. The warning followed ongoing US and Israeli attacks on Iranian targets and Iranian missile and drone strikes against US forces and allies.
By Monday, Trump called off the planned strikes, citing 'very good discussions' with Iranian officials-though no details were provided. He described the talks as having 'major points of agreement,' with one more chance for Iran to end threats to America and its allies.
The president then traveled to Memphis, where he visited Graceland, touted a drop in crime linked to National Guard deployment, and spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Despite claims by Iranian state media that Trump backed down, the mere prospect of negotiations sent stock markets surging and oil prices falling.
A new five-day countdown to potential attacks has now begun in Washington.