Trump Extends Energy-Strikes Pause as US-Iran Peace Talks Begin

President Trump unexpectedly opened peace talks with Iran before the war's fifth week.

“Iran has threatened to hit energy sites in the Middle East after US President Donald Trump threatened to attack the country’s power plants if Tehran does not open the strategic Strait of Hormuz”

Al Jazeera

Trump announced a five-day pause on strikes against Iranian energy infrastructure.

Al Jazeera

The Guardian reported Trump extended the Strait of Hormuz deadline by 10 days.

Iranian state media initially denied talks while a senior Foreign Ministry official said points were being reviewed.

Trump's five-day pause triggered immediate relief in global markets.

Brent crude prices tumbled nearly 11%, falling from $112 to below $100 per barrel.

CBS News

Iran warned that regional energy infrastructure would be considered legitimate targets if its facilities were hit.

Iran also warned of targeting water desalination facilities.

Iran did not reopen the Strait of Hormuz despite the energy-strikes pause.

Iran's Revolutionary Guard said the Strait would remain closed until power plants are rebuilt.

The US wants reliable assurances the Strait will remain open.

Goldman Sachs warned prices could spike for weeks if flows remain restricted.

The peace talks began amid deep skepticism from both sides.

Iran demanded an end to the US-Israeli bombardment of population centers.

CNBC

Goldman Sachs forecast Brent crude could average $110 in March and April.

Trump continued to portray the war as a certain sense of victory.

Iran retaliated by firing missiles across the region, hitting multiple capitals and key infrastructure.

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France 24

The proximity of strikes to India forced Mumbai Airport to shut.

NBC News

Saudi Arabia launched retaliatory strikes targeting three Iranian islands.