Iran-Israel war LIVE: Netanyahu says spoke with Trump, vows to protect Israel's interests
Why it matters: Conflicting signals from the U.S. and Iran create uncertainty, impacting global energy markets and regional stability.
- U.S. President Donald Trump extended the deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz by five days, delaying strikes on Iranian power plants and claiming talks with a "respected" Iranian leader for a deal (multiple sources).
- Iranian officials denied any direct negotiations with the U.S., stating Trump backed down after Iran's "firm warning" (multiple sources).
- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke with Trump, believing military gains could be leveraged into a negotiated agreement protecting Israel's interests (The Hindu, The Hill).
- Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei indicated messages from "friendly countries" confirmed a U.S. request for negotiations to end the war (IRNA via main story).
- Iran's neighbors expressed relief as Trump stepped back from threats to target Iranian power infrastructure, which had prompted Tehran's threats of naval mines and regional infrastructure attacks (main story).
- Two India-flagged LPG carriers transited the Strait of Hormuz, highlighting the ongoing importance and vulnerability of the waterway (main story).
Amid escalating tensions, U.S. President Trump extended a deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, claiming ongoing talks with a "respected" Iranian leader for a deal, a claim vehemently denied by Iranian officials who instead asserted a U.S. retreat. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu confirmed discussions with Trump, suggesting a U.S.-Israeli military advantage could lead to a negotiated agreement safeguarding Israel's interests, while Iran acknowledged receiving messages about U.S. interest in negotiations from "friendly countries."
