US President Donald Trump has extended a pause on strikes targeting Iran’s energy infrastructure until early April, as Washington signals that diplomacy remains its preferred path forward in the escalating conflict. The temporary halt, announced as a 10-day window, comes amid claims from Trump that negotiations with Tehran are progressing, though the situation on the ground suggests continued volatility. Oil prices declined and headed for their sharpest weekly drop in six months after Trump’s announcement of a 10-day pause on strikes targeting the country’s energy infrastructure.The war, now in its fourth week, has rapidly expanded beyond its initial flashpoints after the United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran following the collapse of nuclear talks. The conflict has since spread across the Middle East, drawing in multiple countries, disrupting critical oil routes and pushing global energy prices higher, with ripple effects across financial markets.However, conflicting narratives have emerged around the pause itself, with mediators indicating that Iran did not request any halt to energy-site strikes, raising questions over the scope and intent of the move. As military operations continue across multiple fronts and diplomatic efforts intensify, here’s a look at the latest developments shaping the crisis.
Trump extends for striking Iran’s energy infra
US President Donald Trump has extended a pause on attacks targeting Iran’s energy infrastructure into early April, even as Washington continues diplomatic efforts to end the ongoing conflict. Announcing the move on social media, Trump said the halt would remain in place for 10 days until April 6, adding that talks with Tehran were “going very well” despite skepticism from critics.The four-week war, which began after the United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran on February 28 following failed nuclear negotiations, has widened across the Middle East, leaving thousands dead and rattling global markets. The disruption has pushed up energy prices and intensified fears of rising inflation worldwide. However, signs of a breakthrough remain uncertain. “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 8pm, Eastern Time. Talks are ongoing and, despite erroneous statements to the contrary by the Fake News Media, and others, they are going very well,” Trump said in a post on Truth Social.
Iran hasn’t requested pause on energy-site strikes, mediators say
Iran has not requested a 10-day pause on its energy strikes, Wall Street Journal reported citing mediators. Trump had claimed earlier that he granted Iran a 10-day cooling-off period in response to a “gift” from Tehran, which was allowing the passage of eight oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, while pausing planned strikes on its high-value energy infrastructure.“They said to me very nicely, through my people, ‘Could we have more time?’ Because we’re talking about tomorrow night, which is pretty quick, and if they don’t do what they have to do, I will knock out their power plants,” Trump said.However, the temporary reprieve comes with a warning. Trump has indicated that if negotiations fail to produce results, the United States could resume or even intensify strikes, keeping pressure on Iran while maintaining a window for dialogue.
Oil prices fall
Oil prices declined and headed for their sharpest weekly drop in six months after Trump’s announcement of a 10-day pause on strikes targeting the country’s energy infrastructure.Brent crude futures slipped 84 cents, or 0.8%, to $107.17 a barrel as of 0353 GMT, while US West Texas Intermediate fell $1.02, or 1.1%, to $93.46 per barrel, erasing some of the gains from the previous session.Despite a surge on Thursday driven by fears of further escalation, both benchmarks were down about 4.6% for the week overall.
Rubio seeks G7 backing after Trump criticises Nato allies
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in France to meet his Group of Seven counterparts, as Washington looks to rally support for its approach to the Iran conflict amid growing divisions with allies.Rubio faces a difficult task convincing G7 nations to align with the U.S. strategy, with most countries expressing reservations about the war. The conflict has been met with deep scepticism from several of America’s closest partners, complicating diplomatic efforts.The challenge has been heightened by President Donald Trump’s sharp criticism of Nato allies, accusing them of not doing enough to support the US and Israel. Most G7 members—Britain, Canada, France, Germany and Italy—are part of Nato, while Japan is the only exception, further underscoring the strain within the alliance.
Israel strikes Tehran, Beirut amid multi-front war
Israel said it launched a “wide-scale wave” of strikes targeting infrastructure in Tehran, marking a direct escalation against the Iranian capital.At the same time, Israeli strikes hit Beirut’s southern suburbs, a known Hezbollah stronghold, with explosions heard across the area and smoke seen rising after the attacks. This reflects Israel’s continued operations against Iran-backed groups beyond its borders.The developments come as Israel remains engaged on multiple fronts, including Lebanon, Gaza and the West Bank, stretching its military resources while intensifying the overall conflict.
Saudi intercepts drones as regional tensions continue to rise
Saudi Arabia said its air defences intercepted and destroyed four drones over its eastern region early Friday, underscoring how the conflict is spilling beyond its original theatre.The incident highlights growing risks to Gulf nations, many of which host critical oil infrastructure and US military assets. Increased aerial threats have raised concerns about the vulnerability of energy supplies in the region.The interceptions also reflect heightened military readiness among Gulf states, as they brace for further escalation while trying to shield key installations from attacks linked to the broader Iran conflict.
War widens with global and military fallout
The conflict has expanded into a broader regional crisis, with fighting in Lebanon resulting in Israeli military casualties and increasing strain on troop deployments. Military officials have warned of manpower challenges as operations continue on several fronts.Israel’s opposition leader Yair Lapid criticised the government, accusing it of dragging the country into a multi-front war without a clear strategy or sufficient resources, reflecting growing domestic pressure.Beyond the battlefield, the World Bank has warned of economic fallout, offering support to affected countries. Meanwhile, G7 nations are pushing for a diplomatic solution and the reopening of key routes like the Strait of Hormuz to stabilise global energy markets.
