'No direct talks, buying time': What Iran has said on Trump's claims
The Times of India • • world
Key Points:
- President Donald Trump announced a temporary five-day pause on planned US strikes against Iran’s energy infrastructure, citing "productive conversations" and significant progress toward a deal with Iranian officials, though Iran denied any direct negotiations.
- Iran accused the US of using diplomacy as a cover to "buy time" for military action, dismissing claims of talks and framing the US move as psychological warfare amid ongoing regional tensions.
- Despite diplomatic signals, military actions continued with Israeli strikes on Tehran and Iranian missile and drone attacks targeting Bahrain, escalating the conflict around the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
- The uncertainty caused by the conflict led to sharp volatility in global oil markets, with prices initially surging above $100 per barrel before falling after Trump’s announcement, highlighting the Strait of Hormuz’s critical role in global energy supply.
- Energy experts, including the International Energy Agency, warned that the ongoing crisis poses a severe global economic threat, emphasizing the need for coordinated international efforts to prevent a prolonged energy supply shock.
