Washington: Amid escalating tensions in the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict, Donald Trump on Monday announced a five-day extension to his earlier deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, temporarily holding back from potential strikes on Iranian power infrastructure.
Speaking to reporters, Trump said Washington believes Tehran may be willing to negotiate, claiming that US representatives are in contact with a “respected” Iranian figure. He added that any potential agreement would aim to dismantle Iran’s nuclear ambitions, stressing that the United States seeks to ensure the country does not develop nuclear weapons “in any form.”
However, Iranian authorities swiftly rejected these claims, denying that any negotiations were underway. Officials in Tehran asserted that the US stance had softened under pressure, describing the extension as a result of Iran’s “firm warning.”
The war, now in its fourth week, continues to exact a heavy human and economic toll across the region. Reports indicate that more than 1,500 people have been killed in Iran, while fatalities in Lebanon have crossed 1,000. In Israel, at least 15 people have died, along with 13 US military personnel. Civilian casualties have also been reported in maritime incidents across the Gulf.
The conflict has triggered widespread displacement, with millions forced to flee their homes in Iran and Lebanon as hostilities intensify. Ongoing strikes on key infrastructure and energy facilities have further heightened fears of a prolonged crisis with global repercussions.
Despite the temporary pause in US action, uncertainty remains high, with both sides maintaining hardened positions and the possibility of further escalation looming large.
