US President Donald Trump has extended a moratorium on strikes targeting Iran’s energy infrastructure until early April, as Washington signaled that diplomacy is its preferred path in the escalating conflict. The temporary pause, announced for 10 days, comes amid Trump’s claims that talks with Tehran are progressing, although the situation on the ground suggests continued instability. Oil prices fell after Trump announced a 10-day moratorium on attacks targeting the country’s energy infrastructure, heading for their sharpest weekly decline in six months.The war, now in its fourth week, has escalated rapidly from its initial flashpoint after the United States and Israel launched attacks on Iran after nuclear talks failed. The conflict has since spread across the Middle East, spilling over into several countries, disrupting vital oil routes and sending global energy prices higher, which has had a knock-on effect on financial markets.However, conflicting narratives have emerged around the pause, with mediators indicating that Iran has made no request to halt energy-site attacks, raising questions over the scope and intent of the move. As military operations continue on multiple fronts and diplomatic efforts intensify, here is a look at the latest developments shaping the crisis.
Trump expands attacks on Iran’s energy infrastructure
US President Donald Trump has extended a moratorium on attacks targeting Iran’s energy infrastructure until early April, while Washington continues diplomatic efforts to end the ongoing conflict. Announcing the move on social media, Trump said the moratorium would last for 10 days until April 6, adding that negotiations with Tehran were “going very well” despite critics’ skepticism.The four-week war, which began after the United States and Israel launched attacks on Iran on February 28 following failed nuclear talks, spread across the Middle East, killing thousands of people and sending global markets into turmoil. The disruption has sent energy prices soaring and raised fears of rising inflation around the world. However, signs of success remain uncertain. “As requested by the Iranian government, please use this statement to indicate that I am suspending the period of power plant destruction for 10 days until Monday, April 6, 2026, at 8 pm Eastern Time. “Negotiations are ongoing and, despite misrepresentations from the fake news media and others, they are going very well,” Trump said in a post on Truth Social.
Mediators say Iran has not requested to stop attacks on energy sites
The Wall Street Journal, citing mediators, reported that Iran has not requested a 10-day moratorium on its energy attacks. Trump previously claimed he had given Iran a 10-day cooling-off period in response to Tehran’s “gift” of allowing eight oil tankers to pass through the Strait of Hormuz while stopping planned attacks on its high-value energy infrastructure.“He said to me very nicely through my people, ‘Can we get more time?’ Because we’re talking about tomorrow night, which is very early, and if they don’t do what they have to do, I will shut down their power plants,” Trump said.However, the temporary relief comes with a caveat. Trump has indicated that if talks fail to produce results, the United States could resume or even intensify strikes, maintaining pressure on Iran while maintaining room for negotiation.
oil prices fall
Oil prices fell after Trump announced a 10-day moratorium on attacks targeting the country’s energy infrastructure, heading for their sharpest weekly decline in six months.Brent crude futures slipped 84 cents, or 0.8%, to $107.17 a barrel by 0353 GMT, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate fell $1.02, or 1.1%, to $93.46 a barrel, erasing some of the previous session’s gains.Despite a bounce on Thursday on fears of further gains, both benchmarks were down about 4.6% overall for the week.
Rubio seeks support from G7 after Trump criticizes NATO allies
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in France to meet his Group of Seven counterparts, as Washington seeks to drum up support for its approach to the Iran conflict amid growing differences with allies.Rubio faces a difficult task in convincing the G7 countries to engage with the US strategy, as most countries express reservations about the war. The conflict has been met with deep suspicion by many 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 sole exception, further underscoring tensions within the alliance.
Israel attacks Tehran, Beirut amid multi-front war
Israel said it launched “wide-scale” attacks targeting infrastructure in Tehran, marking a direct escalation against the Iranian capital.At the same time, Israeli strikes hit the southern suburbs of Beirut, considered a Hezbollah stronghold, with explosions heard throughout the area and smoke seen rising from the attacks. This reflects Israel’s continuing campaign against Iran-backed groups beyond its borders.The development comes as Israel is active on multiple fronts, including Lebanon, Gaza and the West Bank, and is increasing its military resources, escalating the overall conflict.
Saudi stops drone as regional tensions increase
Saudi Arabia said its air defenses intercepted and destroyed four drones in its eastern region early Friday, highlighting how the conflict is spreading beyond its region of origin.The incident highlights the growing risks for the Gulf states, many of which host critical oil infrastructure and US military assets. Increasing aerial threats have raised concerns about the vulnerability of energy supplies in the region.The interception also reflects heightened military readiness among Gulf states as they prepare to move forward while trying to protect key installations from attacks linked to the broader Iran conflict.
The scope of the war increases with global and military consequences.
The conflict has escalated into a broader regional crisis, with fighting in Lebanon resulting in Israeli military casualties and heightened tensions over troop deployments. Military officials have warned of manpower challenges as operations continue on multiple fronts.Israel’s opposition leader Yair Lapid criticized the government, accusing it of dragging the country into a multi-front war without a clear strategy or adequate resources, reflecting growing domestic pressure.Beyond the battlefield, the World Bank has warned of the economic fallout while offering assistance to affected countries. Meanwhile, G7 countries are pushing for a diplomatic solution to stabilize global energy markets and the reopening of key routes such as the Strait of Hormuz.