US-Israel War on Iran Enters Day 25: Trump Pauses Strikes, Talks Begin — but Tehran Denies Negotiations

Trump Orders Five-Day Pause in Strikes

On the 25th day of the US-Israel war against Iran, President Donald Trump announced he had instructed the Pentagon to postpone planned strikes on Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure for a five-day period. Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump described ongoing back-channel discussions as “good and productive,” signalling the most significant diplomatic opening since the conflict began on February 27. Read more about the war’s origins on Worldwire.in.

According to senior US officials, Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and presidential adviser Jared Kushner have been at the centre of diplomatic outreach, holding talks with intermediaries from Oman and Qatar. Trump told the press the two sides had reached “major points of agreement,” though he declined to elaborate on specifics. The pause, if observed, would be the first halt in offensive operations since the campaign began, raising cautious hope in global capitals. Follow the latest ceasefire updates on Worldwire.in.

Tehran Rejects Talks — But Signals Quiet Review

Iran’s official response was sharply contradictory. The Foreign Ministry spokesperson publicly dismissed any suggestion of negotiations with Washington, insisting Iran’s positions — particularly regarding the strategic Strait of Hormuz — remain non-negotiable. However, in a quieter signal, a senior Iranian Foreign Ministry official confirmed to CBS News that Tehran had “received points from the US through mediators” and they were currently under review. Analysts say this dual-track approach — denying talks publicly while engaging privately — is classic Iranian diplomatic posturing.

Scale of Destruction: 9,000 Targets, 3,200 Dead

US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that coalition forces have struck more than 9,000 Iranian targets and flown upward of 9,000 combat flights since the war began. The campaign has targeted nuclear sites, air defence systems, naval assets, and command infrastructure. Iran has continued to retaliate with ballistic missile and drone strikes into Israel, with one volley landing near the Dimona nuclear facility in the Negev. Learn about Iran’s military capabilities on Worldwire.in.

International rights organisations report that more than 3,200 civilians have been killed inside Iran, including at least 214 children. Hospitals in Tehran, Isfahan, and Shiraz are overwhelmed, and the UN has called for an immediate humanitarian corridor. The UN Security Council is scheduled to hold an emergency session later today.

Hormuz Crisis: Shipping Industry in Paralysis

The ripple effects of the war are being felt sharply in global trade. Shipping industry insiders say transiting through the Strait of Hormuz is “completely off the charts for the rest of 2026.” US intelligence has assessed the presence of at least a dozen Iranian underwater mines in the waterway, forcing tankers and cargo vessels to reroute around the Cape of Good Hope — adding weeks of sailing time and billions in costs. Read our full Hormuz shipping analysis on Worldwire.in.

Markets Surge on Ceasefire Hopes

Global financial markets responded positively to Trump’s announcement. On Monday, the Dow Jones Industrial Average surged 631 points (+1.38%) to close at 46,208, while the S&P 500 gained 1.15% and the Nasdaq climbed 1.38%. Asian equities followed suit, with the MSCI Asia Pacific Index rising 1.5%. Most dramatically, Brent crude oil fell 11% in a single session — one of its steepest daily drops in years — as traders priced in the possibility of a deal. Track global market reactions to the Iran war on Worldwire.in.

Air Canada Crash at LaGuardia Kills Both Pilots

In a separate tragedy unrelated to the Middle East conflict, an Air Canada regional jet struck a fire truck while landing at New York’s LaGuardia Airport late Sunday night, killing both pilots aboard. At least nine passengers were hospitalised, and hundreds of flights were cancelled across the northeast on Monday as the runway remained closed for investigation. The NTSB has launched a full investigation. Read more on Worldwire.in.

What Comes Next?

With a five-day military pause now in effect, all eyes turn to whether Iran will use this window to formally engage in negotiations or use the time to reconstitute its air defences and missile stockpiles. Regional allies — particularly Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Turkey — are actively lobbying both sides for a sustainable ceasefire framework. The coming 72 hours are expected to be the most diplomatically intense period of the conflict so far. Stay updated with live coverage on Worldwire.in.