President Trump has once more delayed his threat of US strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure, claiming talks between the two sides are ongoing.
Posting on his Truth Social platform, Trump confirmed that no such strikes would be launched until at least April 6, pushing even further back a deadline that first expired on Monday evening.
"As per Iranian government request, please let this statement serve to represent that I am pausing the period of energy plant destruction by 10 days to Monday, April 6, 2026, at 8 pm Eastern Time," he wrote.
"Talks are ongoing and, despite erroneous statements to the contrary by the fake news media, and others. They are going very well."
Iran has denied that any negotiations have taken place or that any request was made, calling Trump's claim "fake news" designed to "manipulate" financial markets.
It follows reports that Tehran had rejected a 15-point ceasefire plan presented by the US via Pakistani mediators.
Per the Wall Street Journal, Iran is insisting that Washington scale back its demands - a total end to nuclear enrichment, limits on ballistic missile production - before any negotiations can be considered.
And, while the Financial Times reports that the regime has agreed to reopen the Strait of Hormuz to "non-hostile" vessels, the Iranian parliament is reported to be drafting a bill to impose levies on all shipping through the vital waterway.
Oil prices rose slightly yesterday to $107 per barrel as of Friday morning as the war continues to drag on.
Israel, meanwhile, has apparently shifted its strategy amid reports that the White House is pushing for an end to the war.
Channel 12's Amit Segal reports: "Israel has become convinced that Trump may try to end the war soon, and therefore shifted most of its airstrikes from targeting the destabilisation of the Iranian regime to inflicting severe damage on its military."
"The shift indicates that Israel has given up on the dream of toppling the regime through air power."
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