Iran-Israel War: Donald Trump Delays Iran Strikes Amid Talks, Global Energy Crisis Fears Rise
The ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel continues to escalate, but a brief pause in tensions has emerged after US President Donald Trump announced a temporary halt to planned strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure.
Trump said the United States has had “very good and productive” discussions with Iran and has decided to delay any military action for five days to allow space for further talks.
However, signals from Tehran suggest a different reality. Iran’s Tasnim news agency, quoting an official, stated that there are currently no negotiations underway with the United States.
It also warned that the strategic Strait of Hormuz will not return to normal conditions anytime soon, keeping global energy markets on edge.
The conflict, which began on February 28, has already had a major impact on global oil supply and prices.
Following Trump’s announcement, oil prices saw a sharp drop of over 10%, offering temporary relief to markets. Still, experts warn that the situation remains fragile and could change rapidly depending on developments in the region.
Fatih Birol, head of the International Energy Agency, has issued a stark warning, calling the situation a “major threat” to the global economy. He noted that the current crisis could have a bigger impact than the oil shocks of the 1970s and even the disruptions caused by the Russia-Ukraine War.
Meanwhile, Israel appears to be preparing for a broader military campaign.
Reports suggest that Israeli forces may launch ground operations into Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah, which is backed by Iran. Tensions along the border have already resulted in casualties, including a civilian death reportedly caused by Israeli artillery fire.
The situation in the Gulf remains critical, with fears of prolonged disruption to oil transport routes. Countries across Asia, which rely heavily on energy supplies passing through the Strait of Hormuz, are particularly vulnerable. Leaders from nations like Singapore have warned that the crisis could trigger a wider economic slowdown.
India is also closely monitoring developments. The Ministry of External Affairs stated that it is keeping a close watch on the situation, especially as several Indian-flagged vessels remain in or near the affected region.
Globally, calls for de-escalation are growing louder. Countries like Russia and China have urged all sides to move towards a diplomatic solution, warning that continued military action could push the region into deeper instability.
(With inputs from agencies)
