President Donald Trump suddenly announced that the United States and Iran were in talks to end the war and announced a five-day delay in military attacks on Iranian power and energy facilities.
President Trump made the announcement early in the morning after threatening to attack Iranian power plants on Monday night if the Strait of Hormuz was not reopened.
Communities on the ground continue to bear the brunt of the violence. Rights groups and health officials say U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran, Iranian retaliatory attacks in the region, and escalating Israeli attacks in Lebanon have killed thousands of people, including hundreds of children.
Here’s what you need to know on day 24.
What are the main headings?
President Trump declares pause: President Trump said the United States and Iran had a “productive dialogue” over the weekend and announced a five-day moratorium on attacks on Iran’s power grid. In a Block Capitals post on Truth Social shortly after 7 a.m., President Trump said the “content and tone” of the conversation about a “complete and complete resolution of hostilities” had prompted the suspension order. On Saturday, President Trump said he would shell Iran’s power grid if the Strait of Hormuz did not become fully navigable within 48 hours.
Iran rebels: Immediately after President Trump’s announcement, multiple Iranian state media reported, citing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, that Iran denies dialogue with Washington. They dismissed Mr. Trump’s claims as an attempt to lower energy prices and buy time for military programs.
A weekend of threats: In response to President Trump’s initial demand to reopen the strait by 7:44 p.m. ET on Monday, Iran announced it would close the vital waterway indefinitely and attack regional infrastructure, sparking further alarm in global energy markets. Before President Trump announced the five-day suspension, Iranian intelligence sources told CNN that Iran was monetizing its control of the strait.
Economic Impact: After President Trump’s announcement, oil prices plummeted. Brent crude oil, the global benchmark, fell more than 7% to trade below $99 a barrel. It had risen to $114 a barrel earlier in the day after a weekend of heightened threats. Separately, the head of the International Energy Agency warned that the global economy faces a “grave threat” worse than the oil shocks of the 1970s.
Attack on Lebanon: Lebanon’s president on Sunday condemned Israel’s attack on infrastructure in southern Lebanon, calling it a “prelude to a ground invasion” and a “clear violation” of international law. Israel’s defense minister said the military would accelerate the demolition of houses along Lebanon’s southern border and destroy all bridges over the Litani River.
Regional issues: A senior United Arab Emirates official criticized “major” Arab-Islamic countries for failing to support Persian Gulf Arab states during a difficult time. “In this absence and powerlessness, it is unacceptable to later talk about a diminished Arab or Islamic role or criticize the presence of the United States and the West,” said Anwar Gargash, an adviser to the UAE president.
Human toll: At least 1,047 civilians have been killed in Iran, including 214 children, the US-based Human Rights Defenders News Agency (HRANA) announced on Sunday. It listed an additional 657 deaths as “unclassified,” meaning it is unclear whether they were civilians or military personnel. At least 1,039 people, including 118 children, have been killed in Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon since March 2, the Lebanese Ministry of Health said on Monday.
WEST BANK ATTACKS: Five Israeli settlers were arrested in the occupied West Bank on Sunday evening after widespread attacks against Palestinians for the second night in a row. Videos posted online showed settlers setting cars and buildings on fire, injuring at least 10 Palestinians, the Palestinian Red Crescent said. Violence in the West Bank has skyrocketed since the war with Iran began.
Attacks on Israel: Dozens of people were reported injured in Iranian missile attacks over southern Israel and Tel Aviv over the weekend. At least 84 people were injured in one missile attack on the city of Arad. The Israeli military announced on Sunday that it had intercepted 92% of Iran’s ballistic missiles.
Lines for fuel: Anxious Iranians in Tehran are rushing to gas stations to buy fuel, residents said on Monday. The resident added that there are long lines at the fuel formation as the clock ticks towards the deadline set by President Trump to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
Death investigation underway: The Israeli military initially blamed the incident on Hezbollah, Iran’s proxy in Lebanon, but is also investigating whether civilians were killed in the northern Israeli community of Misghab Am.
Gulf interception: Persian Gulf states have been intercepting drones and missiles since early Monday morning, after more than three weeks of attacks by Iran. One person was injured by a falling object in Abu Dhabi, authorities said.
