US President Donald Trump extended a pause in strikes targeting Iran’s energy infrastructure until early April as Washington signaled diplomacy remains its preferred path forward in the escalating conflict. The 10-day pause, announced as Trump claimed talks with Tehran were making progress, although the situation on the ground indicated continued volatility. Oil prices fell, posting their biggest weekly loss in six months, after Trump announced a 10-day pause in a strike targeting the country’s energy infrastructure.The U.S. and Israel launched attacks on Iran after nuclear talks collapsed, in a war that is now entering its fourth week and has rapidly expanded to its initial flashpoint. The conflict has since spread throughout the Middle East, affecting multiple countries, disrupting vital oil routes, pushing up global energy prices and having knock-on effects throughout financial markets.However, conflicting accounts have emerged around the suspension itself, with mediators saying Iran had not asked for a halt to attacks on energy sites, raising questions about the scope and intent of the move. As military operations continue on multiple fronts and diplomatic efforts intensify, here are the latest developments shaping the crisis.
Trump extends deadline for crackdown on Iran’s energy infrastructure
U.S. President Donald Trump has extended a moratorium on attacks on Iran’s energy infrastructure until early April, even as Washington continues its diplomatic efforts to end the ongoing conflict. Announcing the move on social media, Trump said the pause would last 10 days until April 6, adding that despite skepticism from critics, talks with Tehran were “going well.”After nuclear negotiations failed, the United States and Israel launched an attack on Iran on February 28, beginning a four-week war that spread across the Middle East, killing thousands and disrupting global markets. The disruption has pushed up energy prices and heightened concerns about rising global inflation. However, signs of a breakthrough remain uncertain. “At the request of the Government of Iran, please indicate through this statement that I will suspend the energy plant destruction deadline for 10 days, Monday, April 6, 2026 at 8:00 pm Eastern Time. Negotiations are ongoing and going well despite false statements to the contrary by the Fake News Media and other outlets,” Trump posted on Truth Social.
Mediator says Iran has not yet asked for a moratorium on energy site attacks
Iran has not requested a 10-day pause in energy attacks, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing mediators. Trump earlier claimed he was giving Iran a 10-day cooling-off period in response to a “gift” from Tehran, which allowed eight oil tankers to pass through the Strait of Hormuz while suspending planned attacks on its high-value energy infrastructure.“They spoke to me nicely through my people and said, ‘Can we have more time?’ Because we’re talking about tomorrow night, which is quick, and if they don’t do what they have to do, I’m going to destroy their power plants,” Trump said.However, the temporary reprieve comes with a warning. Trump said that if the negotiations fail to achieve results, the United States may resume or even increase its strikes and continue to put pressure on Iran while maintaining a window for dialogue.
Oil prices fall
Oil prices fell, posting their biggest weekly loss in six months, after Trump announced a 10-day pause in a strike targeting the country’s energy infrastructure.Brent crude futures fell 84 cents, or 0.8%, to $107.17 a barrel by 0353 GMT, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures fell $1.02, or 1.1%, to $93.46 a barrel, erasing some of the previous session’s gains.Both benchmarks fell about 4.6% this week despite surging on Thursday on concerns about further escalation.
Rubio seeks G7 support after Trump criticizes NATO allies
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in France to meet with G7 foreign ministers as Washington looks to drum up support for its approach to the conflict with Iran amid growing disagreements with allies.Rubio faces the difficult task of convincing G-7 countries to align with U.S. strategy as most express reservations about war. The conflict is met with strong suspicion from several of America’s closest partners, complicating diplomatic efforts.The challenge has been exacerbated by President Donald Trump’s sharp criticism of NATO allies, accusing them of not doing enough to support the United States and Israel. Most G7 members – Britain, Canada, France, Germany and Italy – are members of Nato, with Japan the lone exception, further underscoring the pressures within the alliance.
Israel attacks Tehran, Beirut in multi-front war
Israel said it had launched a “massive” attack on Tehran’s infrastructure, marking a direct escalation against the Iranian capital.At the same time, Israel attacked the southern suburbs of Beirut, a Hezbollah stronghold. After the attack, explosions were heard throughout the area and smoke filled the area. This reflects Israel’s continued actions against Iranian-backed groups outside its borders.These developments come as Israel continues to operate on multiple fronts, including in Lebanon, Gaza and the West Bank, straining its military resources and exacerbating the overall conflict.
Regional tensions continue to escalate, Saudi Arabia intercepts drones
Saudi Arabia said its air defenses intercepted and destroyed four drones in its eastern region early on Friday, underscoring how the conflict has spread beyond its original war zones.The incident highlights the growing risks faced by Gulf states, many of which host critical oil infrastructure and U.S. military assets. The rise in aerial threats has raised concerns about the vulnerability of the region’s energy supplies.The interceptions also reflect increased military preparedness by Gulf states as they brace for further escalation while trying to protect critical facilities from attacks related to the broader conflict with Iran.
War expands with global and military implications
The conflict has expanded into a wider regional crisis, with fighting in Lebanon causing Israeli military casualties and increasing pressure on troop deployments. Military officials warned of manpower challenges as operations continue on multiple fronts.Israeli 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.Away from the battlefield, the World Bank has also warned of the economic impact and provided support to affected countries. Meanwhile, G7 countries are pushing for diplomatic solutions and reopening key routes such as the Strait of Hormuz to stabilize global energy markets.
