Jerusalem, Israel. Iran launched multiple waves of missiles at Israel after US President Donald Trump postponed planned strikes on Iranian power plants, citing what he described as productive talks with Iranian officials, a claim denied by Iran’s parliament speaker.
Air raid sirens sounded across parts of Israel, including Tel Aviv, where blasts from interceptions were heard, and homes in northern Israel were damaged by falling debris following one interception, with no deaths reported.
Missile attacks and damage reports
The missiles triggered air raid sirens in multiple areas, including Tel Aviv. Blasts from interceptions were heard, and falling debris damaged homes in northern Israel after one interception. No fatalities were reported.
Trump announces pause on strikes and cites talks
Trump wrote on Truth Social that Washington and Tehran had held “very good and productive” conversations aimed at a “complete and total resolution of hostilities,” and announced a five-day pause on strikes targeting Iran’s energy infrastructure. Semafor reported, citing a US official, that US strikes on Iran more broadly continue.
Iranian officials reject negotiation claims
Iran’s parliament speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf wrote on X that no negotiations had taken place and accused Washington of using “fake news to manipulate the financial and oil markets.” The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps dismissed Trump’s statements as “psychological operations” and said it was launching fresh attacks on US targets.
Conflicting accounts of contacts and intermediaries
Trump told reporters that his special envoy Steve Witkoff and son-in-law Jared Kushner had held talks with a senior Iranian official on Sunday evening and would continue on Monday, saying the two sides had reached agreement on “almost all points.”
A European official said no direct negotiations had taken place, though Egypt, Pakistan and Gulf states were relaying messages between the parties. A Pakistani official told Reuters that direct talks could be held in Islamabad as early as this week, with US Vice President JD Vance, Witkoff and Kushner expected to attend.
Strait of Hormuz and conflict toll
Iran has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz since the US and Israel launched their offensive on 28 February. The strait is a conduit for around 20 per cent of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas. More than 2,000 people have been killed in the conflict.
Oil and currency market reaction
Oil markets swung on the mixed signals. Brent crude recovered to $104.21 a barrel on Tuesday, partially reversing a 10 per cent slide from Monday, while the dollar regained ground after an earlier retreat.
What impact do you think the reported pause in strikes and the conflicting negotiation claims could have on the conflict’s trajectory?
