Iran war: What’s happening on day 65 as Trump reviews new plan to end war?

On day 62 of escalating tensions, U.S. President Donald Trump declared the American blockade of Iranian ports successful, urging Iran to "give up." Iran's Parliament Speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, dismissed the blockade's impact, stating it has only driven up global oil prices and accusing U.S. officials of acting on poor advice. While the U.S. aims to force Iran to halt oil production by filling its storage, analysts suggest remaining capacity might only last about 20 days. The standoff in the Strait of Hormuz has significantly impacted global markets, pushing oil prices above $120 a barrel and U.S. gasoline prices to a four-year high. Separately, Iranian football officials departed Canada due to alleged "inappropriate behavior" by immigration officials.

Oil prices surged to their highest point since 2022 on Thursday in Asian trading following a report that President Trump is to be briefed on new US military options regarding Iran. The US Central Command has reportedly developed plans for swift strikes on Iran, potentially targeting infrastructure, to break negotiation impasses. Another proposed strategy involves securing part of the Strait of Hormuz to reopen commercial shipping, which could necessitate ground troops. Brent crude rose nearly 7% to over $126 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate crude increased by 2.3% to around $109 per barrel. These price increases coincide with stalled peace talks and the continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

A Korean-American leader, Kim Dong-seok, suggests that President Trump's foreign policy, particularly concerning North Korea, is driven by a "destroy-and-deal" strategy influenced by "new neocons." This approach, he argues, prioritizes drone warfare to force negotiations without risking American lives, and is financially beneficial to the Trump family through drone industry investments. Kim asserts that South Korea should analyze these calculated strategies rather than viewing Trump's actions as mere impulses. He identifies figures like Elliott Abrams and Stephen Miller as central to this faction, which has reportedly influenced objectives like regime change in Iran.

Wendy Sherman, a former top negotiator for the Obama administration's Iran nuclear deal, criticized President Trump's Iran strategy in recent interviews, calling it tactical and transactional without a clear strategy. Sherman, who also served under President Biden, argued Trump's approach damaged alliances and American interests. In response, State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott stated Sherman lacks credibility due to her role in the Iran nuclear deal, which he claimed provided the regime with funds and a path to nuclear weapons. Pigott contrasted this with the Trump administration's achievements, including peace deals and preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.

Russia's political support for Iran and its stance against military escalation are more significant than military aid in the current conflict involving Iran, the US, and Israel. This position, solidified by a 2025 treaty, prioritizes peace over short-term gains like rising oil prices, which Russia recognizes as insufficient for economic restructuring amid Western sanctions. Moscow's strategic focus is on conflict resolution and mitigating negative consequences such as humanitarian crises, global economic slowdowns, and financial instability. Iran views Russia's stance as beneficial, having successfully withstood attacks and secured a favorable diplomatic position with limited international support for the US and Israel. European allies have shown reluctance to engage militarily, perceiving little benefit in the conflict.

The US and Iran are locked in a protracted conflict following a joint US-Israeli surprise attack on Iran two months prior. Negotiations are deadlocked, with ongoing blockades of the Strait of Hormuz disrupting global energy supplies and Iran's nuclear program unresolved. While a ceasefire is in place, both sides maintain military options. Analysts suggest a "frozen conflict" scenario, characterized by low-intensity warfare and periodic strikes, is emerging due to the lack of a permanent deal. This situation, however, carries significant economic costs for both nations and risks prolonged regional instability.

Iran has presented a new proposal to the United States aimed at de-escalating tensions and ending the ongoing war. The offer, conveyed through Pakistan, centers on reopening the strategic Strait of Hormuz to global shipping. In return, Iran requests the lifting of the US naval blockade on its ports and an end to the war. A key element of the proposal is the postponement of discussions regarding Iran's nuclear program until after the conflict concludes. Early indications suggest the Trump administration is skeptical of this offer, potentially delaying any permanent resolution to the war, which has caused significant casualties and economic disruption.

On day 60 of the Iran war, diplomacy is gaining momentum as the US reviews an Iranian peace proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. This plan coincides with potential delays to nuclear talks. Iran's Foreign Minister met with Russian President Putin, indicating Tehran is considering resuming negotiations amidst ongoing tensions. Dozens of nations have urged the immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital oil transit route. Iran asserts its armed forces would control the Strait under a proposed law and blames the US for stalled talks, condemning the capture of two Iranian-linked oil tankers as "high seas robbery." Critics question the Iran nuclear expertise of Trump's negotiating team, despite their access to the President.

US-Iran talks have stalled after a fragile ceasefire, with efforts to translate it into a permanent agreement failing to materialize. The negotiations, held in Islamabad, Pakistan, were cancelled by US President Donald Trump after he scrapped a visit by his envoys due to concerns over the cost and adequacy of an Iranian offer. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi blamed the US for the failure, citing excessive demands from Washington. However, experts say the impasse reflects a slowdown in negotiations rather than a collapse, with diplomacy often marked by deadlocks and setbacks. Trump has offered Iran the opportunity to negotiate via telephone or in-person talks, emphasizing that a nuclear weapon is non-negotiable. The talks' current status remains uncertain, leaving questions about what could come next.

The Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global oil and gas trade, is currently a focal point of geopolitical tension. Iran proposes charging a toll for passage through the strait, framing it as a necessary measure to fund post-war reconstruction. However, many nations, while potentially sympathetic to Iran's situation, view the Strait of Hormuz as international waters that must remain open for unimpeded transit. The unresolved status of the strait has significant economic implications, impacting oil prices and shipping costs, and is seen as a key factor in the broader conflict between Iran, the US, and Israel. The article suggests reframing Iran's toll proposal as reconstruction funding to potentially reopen the strait.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated on Monday that the United States is being "humiliated" in its conflict with Iran, warning of a potential quagmire similar to Iraq and Afghanistan. Speaking to students in Marsberg, Merz argued that Iran is demonstrating superior negotiation skills and appears "clearly stronger than one thought." He expressed concern that the US lacks a clear exit strategy from the war, which he believes is impacting Germany's economy. Merz also indicated Germany's readiness to deploy minesweepers to secure the Strait of Hormuz, contingent on a ceasefire. The comments highlight growing European concerns about the conflict's economic and energy ramifications.

Oil prices, specifically Brent crude, rose over 2 percent following the breakdown of US-Iran peace talks. Hopes for a second round of ceasefire negotiations in Pakistan were dashed when Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi departed Islamabad before direct engagement could occur, leading to the cancellation of a planned US envoy trip. This diplomatic impasse, coupled with ongoing Iranian threats against shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, is impacting global oil and natural gas supplies. While Asian stock markets opened higher, the uncertainty surrounding the fragile truce between Washington and Tehran persists. Araghchi is now proceeding to Russia for further discussions as Iran seeks a resolution to the diplomatic deadlock.

US President Donald Trump cancelled a planned trip by US officials to Pakistan for talks on the Iran war on Saturday. The trip was intended for special envoy Steve Witkoff and son-in-law Jared Kushner, but Trump stated that they would be wasting "too much time" if Iran wanted to discuss the issue. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Aragchi had previously met with Pakistani mediator, sharing Iran's position on ending the war, but expressed skepticism about US seriousness in diplomacy. Diplomatic efforts have stalled despite a recent ceasefire extension. The US and Iran are locked in a standoff over the Strait of Hormuz, with restrictions on oil exports and increased naval presence by the US. Trump announced that the ceasefire would hold despite fading hopes for face-to-face talks.

President Trump has canceled a planned trip by US envoys to Pakistan for further talks with Iran regarding a ceasefire. The envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, were scheduled to meet with Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who had just concluded meetings in Islamabad. Iran's top diplomat stated Tehran would engage with Pakistan's mediation efforts, emphasizing indirect talks. The US had sought to revive ceasefire negotiations amid disruptions to global shipping caused by the conflict and Iran's control of the Strait of Hormuz. Previous high-level talks between the US and Iran in Pakistan and Geneva have not resulted in a deal.

On day 57 of the conflict, US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are traveling to Pakistan for talks, coinciding with the arrival of Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Islamabad. These diplomatic visits aim to break deadlocked negotiations between the US and Iran, with uncertainty surrounding Tehran's willingness to return to the table. The US has also frozen $344 million in cryptocurrency assets linked to Iran to increase pressure amid war-related energy disruptions. European Council President Antonio Costa emphasized the urgent need for the Strait of Hormuz to reopen. While direct talks in Islamabad are not currently planned, diplomatic efforts are ongoing, with Pakistan mediating and expressing cautious optimism about progress.

Iranian President Donald Trump canceled planned talks with Tehran in Islamabad, Pakistan, citing "infighting and confusion" within the regime. The cancellation comes after Iranian leadership projected a unified front just days earlier, undermining the long-cited moderate-vs.-hardliner divide. Social media posts from Iran's new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, President Masoud Pezeshkian, and other key officials suggest that the "good cop, bad cop" tactic used to deceive adversaries has collapsed. Trump had planned to discuss nuclear talks with Iranian leaders in Islamabad. The cancellation may have significant consequences for Trump's approach to atomic talks. Experts warn that Iran views the US as "evil," citing the regime's perception of American actions as aggressive and divisive.