BY MIRABEL ODETA
U.S. President Donald Trump announced that he would extend the deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face attacks on its energy infrastructure, intensifying concerns over a conflict that has already claimed thousands of lives and disrupted global markets. The announcement comes after Tehran rejected a 15-point U.S. proposal to end hostilities, describing it as unfair.
The conflict, now entering its fourth week, has spread across the Middle East, pushing energy prices to historic highs and stoking fears of accelerating global inflation. The United States and Israel launched coordinated strikes on Iran on February 28 amid stalled nuclear negotiations, escalating tensions in the region.
On Thursday, Trump warned during a cabinet meeting that pressure on Iran would increase if no agreement was reached. Later, he confirmed via social media that planned attacks on Iranian energy facilities would be paused for 10 days, until April 6 at 8 p.m. Eastern daylight time, signaling a temporary de-escalation. “Talks are ongoing and, despite erroneous statements to the contrary by the Fake News Media, and others, they are going very well,” he stated.
Despite Trump’s optimism, Iran has denied engaging in direct talks with Washington. Many Iranian officials, including high-ranking military figures, have been killed in the ongoing war, and Trump has not disclosed which Iranian representatives the U.S. is negotiating with. Earlier, on March 23, Trump had briefly halted threatened strikes for five days, but the new extension doubles that pause.
Iranian media reported that airstrikes targeted residential areas in Tehran, Qom, and Urumia early Friday morning, killing at least six civilians and injuring several more. In Qom, three homes were destroyed in the Pardisan neighborhood, while rescue workers in Tehran pulled survivors from rubble. In Urmia, a missile strike hit a housing complex, destroying multiple residential units.
Meanwhile, Israel’s military conducted overnight strikes on ballistic missile production sites and air defense systems across Iran, including Tehran and western regions, aiming to degrade Iran’s missile capabilities.
The war has severely disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil and liquefied natural gas, which carries roughly 20% of the world’s energy supply. Crude oil prices have surged around 40%, while natural gas and nitrogen-based fertilizer prices, essential for food production, have jumped sharply. Global stock markets have reacted accordingly, with declines in the U.S., Europe, and Asia.
“Many see the Iranian regime as holding the upper hand and doubt that there are indeed productive negotiations with the U.S. in process,” said Sean Callow, senior FX analyst at ITC Markets.
Iranian officials confirmed reviewing the 15-point U.S. proposal delivered through Pakistan. The plan reportedly included demands to dismantle Iran’s nuclear program, curb missile development, and relinquish control of the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran characterized the proposal as serving only U.S. and Israeli interests.
Despite Trump’s pause, Iran has continued retaliatory attacks on U.S. and Israeli positions, as well as Gulf states, effectively obstructing fuel exports through the Strait. In response, the United Arab Emirates has indicated plans to participate in a multinational maritime taskforce to reopen the strait, although several U.S. allies have declined immediate military involvement.
Trump also suggested that Iran allow ten oil tankers, including Pakistan-flagged vessels, to transit the strait as a goodwill gesture in negotiations. Meanwhile, the Pentagon is reportedly considering sending up to 10,000 additional ground troops to the Middle East and confirmed the deployment of uncrewed drone speedboats for patrols—the first time such vessels have been used in active operations in the region.
The situation in the Middle East continues to pose a severe risk to global energy security and economic stability. Analysts warn that further escalation, particularly attacks on civilian infrastructure, could intensify supply disruptions, drive energy prices higher, and threaten the livelihoods of millions dependent on electricity, clean water, and fuel in the region.
Original article
Comments