Trump said further US strikes on Iran are highly unlikely but the US remains locked and loaded. Secretary of State Rubio said there is no need to resume combat because economic pressure is working. Tehran said its offer to reopen Hormuz within two days still stands if conditions are met. Iran denies talks with Washington, while Qatar sees progress.
Why it matters: A pause in strikes affects oil prices and shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump said renewed US strikes on Iran are unlikely after meeting Qatar's prime minister in Washington. He said Qatar and Saudi Arabia prefer no new attacks. He also said US forces are ready if circumstances change. Iranian officials called talk of negotiations fake news and repeated seven conditions for any talks. Secretary of State Rubio said negotiations remain unproductive. A UAE official warned the Gulf faces prolonged uncertainty.
Why it matters: The war has disrupted oil shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and raised energy prices worldwide.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said there is no breakthrough in truce talks with Iran. He called some Iranian demands unacceptable. The US launched Task Force Iron Gate to disrupt land routes into Iran, widening its naval blockade. Iran's Revolutionary Guards dismissed it as wordplay and lifted a 2,000-km missile range limit. Trump said new strikes are 'highly unlikely' if talks progress.
Why it matters: The standoff threatens shipping through Hormuz and global oil supply.
Iran said Sunday that a renewed war with the US could last longer than the previous conflict. President Trump said the war would end soon, one way or the other, and that the US may need to give Iran 'the hammer'. Qatari mediators are in talks in Tehran and Doha to head off new strikes.
Why it matters: A new round of US strikes could close shipping lanes further and push energy prices higher worldwide.
Qatari mediators returned to Tehran to push for a deal. President Trump said the war is "going to end soon" and that talks are ongoing. Pakistan's army said it is cautiously optimistic about its own mediation. Pakistan's spokesman also warned of powerful spoilers.
Why it matters: A deal could reopen Hormuz shipping and ease oil prices that are raising costs worldwide.
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