Amid Iran Conflict
Amid Iran Conflict: Donald Trump withdrew his 48-hour deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. He claimed the US had strong talks with Iran, but Iran denied it. He extended the deadline by five days, hoping Iran would agree. Iran, after weeks of attacks by the United States and Israel, refused to surrender.
Middle East Tensions
Trump said the US and Iran were working toward a full solution in the Middle East. This claim briefly lowered oil and gas prices. Fighting continues, so the claim seems unlikely. Sending messages through other countries does not count as real negotiations.
Even after heavy damage and leadership losses, Iran has not surrendered. It demands a full ceasefire before talks. Many see Trump’s claim as a cover for a possible ground attack.
Stalled Peace Efforts
While Trump delayed his deadline, the US sent more troops. Israel expanded attacks into Lebanon. Some countries, including Pakistan, tried to support peace talks. The gap between Iran and the US remains wide. Progress seems unlikely.
Secret or informal contacts happen, but no official talks exist. Iran accepted some countries’ efforts to reduce tension, but no clear plan exists. The extra five days do not improve the situation. Real talks cannot happen under war.
Conflict Mediation Limits
Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan can host talks if both sides agree. Reports suggested Pakistan could play a key role. Still, Pakistan cannot solve this complex conflict, even with good relations with both sides.
Trump suggested the US and Iran could jointly control the Strait of Hormuz. This idea is unrealistic. The US has not forced Iran to reopen the route, which carries over 20% of the world’s oil. This threatens a major global economic crisis.
Stalemate Intensifies Crisis
The crisis may explain Trump’s decision to back down. A long war would hurt US allies and the US itself. After weeks of fighting, Trump has not met his goals. His plan to change Iran’s government failed. The war has united Iran further.
Despite US claims, Iran continues to strike Israeli targets and US bases in the Gulf. A recent strike near Israel’s nuclear site showed Iran still has strong capabilities. Its drones and missiles continue to challenge US allies, who face growing costs.
Energy Target Strikes
The conflict has reached economic targets. Israel hit Iran’s gas facilities. The US bombed major oil sites. Iran attacked energy sites in the region in response. Gulf countries face severe economic damage.
Trump threatened to destroy Iran’s power plants. Iran warned it would strike similar targets. It promised immediate and serious consequences for attacks.
These risks may explain why Trump extended the deadline. Iran sees this as a US retreat due to fear of retaliation.
US Global Isolation
Trump also failed to gain Western support. NATO refused to send warships to protect the Strait of Hormuz. They do not want to join what they see as an unnecessary war. The US is more isolated than usual.
The conflict shows the global order is weakening. The war has no clear results. Trump’s peace talk claims are mostly words, not action.
Published in Dawn, 25th March 2026
