Iran War Days 24–25: Trump claims talks with Iran; more tankers transit Hormuz

GULF COUNTRIES - In Brief 24 Mar 2026 by Justin Alexander
Highlights Trump backed away from plans to bomb power plants and said talks are underway, causing oil to drop by $15. Iranian sources have been more circumspect about talks, but it appears as if Pakistan may host a meeting. In a worrying development, there was a strike on the grounds of the Bushehr nuclear plant. More tankers have been transiting Hormuz, including to China, India and Thailand. Meanwhile, in Lebanon, Israel is moving to reoccupy the south. Talk about talks On Monday morning, ahead of his 48-hour deadline, Trump backed away from attacking power plants. He said that talks were underway with Iran, so he would “postpone any and all military strikes against Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure for a five-day period.” (TS, CNBC). The post drove a stock market rebound and a sharp drop in oil prices.Trump said that “very good and productive conversations regarding a complete and total resolution of our hostilities” had been underway. He told reports that the US was dealing with a “respected” Iranian leader. Axios reported, via an Israeli source, that envoys Witkoff and Kushner had been in contact with Parliament Speaker Ghalibaf, although he said that this was fake news (X). Other reports said that Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi was the point of contact, although indirectly (WP).Iran’s Foreign Ministry Spokesperson said: “messages have been received from some friendly countries regarding the US’s request for negotiations to end the war,” but no direct or indirect dialogue had taken place (Jaz).Trump said the US has proposed a 15-point plan. Israeli media appeared to report a plausible plan, which offered a full lifting of sanctions and US technical s...

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