Iran US War News Highlights: Trump unsure on Iran strike deadline, says talks will decide next move

Our live coverage of US-Iran war for March 27 has moved here

Israel says it has stepped up strikes on Iran’s weapons production infrastructure, reporting intensified operations targeting military‑industrial sites as part of its ongoing campaign in the conflict.

Trump wrote on Truth Social: "As per Iranian Government request, please let this statement serve to represent that I am pausing the period of Energy Plant destruction by 10 Days to Monday, April 6, 2026, at 8 P.M., Eastern Time. Talks are ongoing and, despite erroneous statements to the contrary by the Fake News Media, and others, they are going very well."

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in Saudi Arabia days after Ukraine disclosed that it is assisting five Middle Eastern countries — Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, and Jordan — in countering drone attacks.

Ukraine has become a leading producer of battle-tested, cost-effective drone interceptors.

Ukrainian officials are helping these countries build defense systems to protect against drone attacks amid the ongoing Iran war.

Ali Akbar Velayati, a top adviser to Ali Khamenei, warned that any country involved in military action against Iran would face consequences.

“Any participation in military aggression against Iran will definitely return to the participants like a boomerang,” he said.

Velayati indicated that the Persian Gulf could become a central area for retaliation. He warned that the region “cannot remain without consequences” if conflict escalates.

He suggested that unspecified “events will definitely occur” in response to threats.

These actions, he said, would be “to the detriment of those threatening Iran’s national security.”

The remarks were reported by Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA).

UN Food and Agriculture Organization Chief Economist Máximo Torero warns on Iran war impact

-Prolonged conflict (3–6 months) would result in Major impact on food security, energy, and global economy

-Rising prices expected across food, fuel, and key sectors

-Decline in remittances could hit developing economies

-Incoming El Niño could worsen inflation and supply pressures

-Strong El Niño may amplify economic and food crises

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced: “Last night, in a precise and lethal operation, the IDF eliminated the commander of the IRGC Navy, Tangasiri, along with senior naval command officials.”

“We will continue operating in Iran with full force to achieve the war’s objectives.”

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) also linked Tangsiri directly to maritime disruption efforts: “The IDF has eliminated the commander of the IRGC Navy — directly responsible for the terrorist operation of mining and blocking the Strait of Hormuz to shipping.”

Iran has mobilised over one million fighters ahead of a possible ground confrontation with the United States, according to a Tasnim News Agency report citing a military source.

The move comes amid rising regional tensions and increasing speculation about a potential US military push on Iran’s southern front, particularly near the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.

Israel deploys 162nd Division, expanding ground offensive against Hezbollah

Military aims to control territory up to the Litani River

Israel has previously described deployments as “tens of thousands” of troops

Defense Minister Israel Katz announced plans for a “security zone” in southern Lebanon

US President Donald Trump said he is uncertain about sticking to the previously announced five-day delay

He said decision will depend on whether talks with Iran are progressing

“We have a lot of time… in Trump time, a day is an eternity,” he said

Trump had earlier threatened strikes on Iranian power plants starting Monday

The ultimatum was linked to reopening of the Strait of Hormuz

Deadline was extended to allow negotiations for a potential deal

Trump on a coalition to secure the Strait of Hormuz: “We have a coalition formed, but they should have been up here a long time ago — and you know, they're affected more than us.”

Iranian minister Abbas Araghchi said in a post on X that from outset of this war, “US soldiers fled military bases in GCC [Gulf Cooperation Council] to hide in hotels and offices. They use GCC citizens as human shield.”

“Hotels in US deny bookings to officers who may endanger customers. GCC hotels should do same,” he posted on X while reacting to an NYT report.

Maersk is maintaining food and medicine supply lines in the Gulf via land-bridge routes with spare capacity, despite disruptions from the Iran war, reports Reuters.

More than one million fighters in Iran have been prepared for a ground battle with the US, reports Tasnim news agency, citing an Iranian military source.

Embassy of India expresses its deepest condolences at the tragic demise of an Indian national due to falling debris in Abu Dhabi today. The Embassy is closely coordinating with the UAE authorities to render all possible support and assistance: Indian Embassy in the UAE.

French oil major TotalEnergies has evacuated around 1,300 people from the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Iraq, with only some local staff and contractors remaining in the region, CEO Patrick Pouyanne was quooted by Reuters as saying on Thursday.

Chief Executive Patrick Pouyanne said staff were withdrawn from the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Iraq.

He added only a limited number of local employees and contractors remain in place to maintain essential operations.

Trump said on Thursday that taking control of Iran's oil was an "option," comparing it to the deal Washington made with Venezuela after toppling Nicolas Maduro.

"It's an option," Trump told reporters at a cabinet meeting when asked if he was looking to take control of Iran's oil, saying that the United States had done "very well" with Venezuela's reserves.

U.S. President Donald Trump suggested on Thursday that Iran let ten oil tankers transit the Strait of Hormuz as a goodwill gesture in negotiations, including some Pakistan-flagged vessels.

Trump made the comments at a Cabinet meeting in the White House, elaborating on what he had previously described as a "present" from Iran.

"They said, to show you the fact that we're real and solid and we're there, we're going to let you have eight boats of oil, eight boats, eight big boats of oil," Trump said.

"I guess they were right, and they were real, and I think they were Pakistani-flagged... It ended up being 10 boats," Trump claimed.

A draft proposal to let Iran collect transit fees in the Strait of Hormuz has been prepared and would be sent to parliament’s research center next week for legal review, an Iranian lawmaker was quoted by Iran International as saying on Thursday.

Mohammadreza Rezaei Kouchi said he had prepared the draft jointly with Tehran lawmaker Somayyeh Rafiei and that they planned to finalise it with a legal team.

US President Donald Trump says, "I solved the other ones (conflicts between countries) in one day that had been going for 32 years. We stopped one that was starting. India and Pakistan, and the Prime Minister of Pakistan, said President Trump solved something that was going to cost 10 million lives. That was going to cost a lot of lives. Two nuclear nations. Those were complicated, but we got them done quickly..."

Steve Witkoff, United States Special Envoy to the Middle East, says, "We have, along with your foreign policy team, presented a 15-point action list that forms the framework for a peace deal. This has been circulated through the Pakistani government, acting as the mediator and this has resulted in strong and positive messaging and talks, as you just indicated to the press. But these are sensitive diplomatic discussions, and you have directed us to maintain confidentiality on the specific terms and not negotiate through the news media, as others do. We will see where things lead, and if we can convince Iran that this is the inflection point with no good alternatives for them, other than more death and destruction..."

US President Donald Trump says, “The Iranian regime is now admitting to itself that they have been decisively defeated. They're saying to people- this is a disaster. They know it. That's why they're talking to us. They can't make a comeback. We're free to roam over their cities and towns and destroy all of their crazy nuclear weapons, missiles, and drones that they're building.”

"We're doing that. They now have a chance to make a deal, but that's up to them, and they'll tell you, we're not negotiating. We will not negotiate. Of course, they'll negotiate. They've been obliterated. They are begging to make a deal. We'll see if we can make the right deal, and if they make the right deal, then the Strait of Hormuz will open up...," Trump said.

"They now have the chance, that is Iran, to permanently abandon their nuclear ambitions, and to chart a new path forward... if they don't, we're their worst nightmare. In the meantime, we'll just keep blowing them away... there's not a thing they can do about it," US President Donald Trump said.

US envoy Steve Witkoff said there are “strong signs” Iran could be convinced to make a peace deal, confirming that Washington had passed a 15-point plan to Tehran through mediator Pakistan.

“We will see where things lead, and if we can convince Iran that this is the inflection point with no good alternatives for them, other than more death and destruction. We have strong signs that this is a possibility,” Witkoff told a cabinet meeting.

United States Secretary of War Pete Hegseth says, "We welcome a deal, and we have the ultimate dealmaker to make it happen — but in the meantime, as I said yesterday, the Department of War will continue negotiating with bombs."

Qatar Airways has published its latest revised schedule, reflecting the gradual increase in flights to and from Doha. The latest update, valid until 15 April 2026, provides additional frequencies to more than 90 destinations across Qatar Airways’ global network covering all continents.

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US President Donald Trump says, "They (Iran) are begging to make a deal, not me. They're begging to make a deal, and anybody who saw what was happening over there would understand why they want to make a deal. But they say, we're not talking to them... They're not fools. They're very smart, in a certain way. I say they're lousy fighters, but they're great negotiators. They are begging to work out a deal. I don't know if we'll be able to do that. I don't know if we're willing to do that. They should have done that four weeks ago. They should have done it two years ago. Or they should have done it when we first came into office..."

IndiGo issues travel advisory, posts on X, “You are not navigating this alone. As the situation in the Middle East continues to evolve, our teams are closely monitoring developments and working behind the scenes to keep operations as steady as possible.”

"Flights scheduled for tomorrow are mentioned in the table below, subject to prevailing safety conditions and applicable regulations. We understand that behind every booking is a purpose - to return home, to be with loved ones, or to move forward with something important. IndiGo remains available, listening, and ready to assist you at every step of your journey."

Abu Dhabi's media office posted on X, “As part of the ongoing follow-up to the previously reported incident caused by falling debris following the successful interception of a ballistic missile by air defence systems, the incident has resulted in the deaths of two individuals of Pakistani and Indian nationality, and in injuries ranging from serious to moderate sustained by three individuals of Emirati, Jordanian and Indian nationality.”

“The public is advised to obtain information only from official sources and to avoid spreading rumours or unverified information.”

Germany says 'encouraging' if US speaking directly to Iran: foreign minister

Iranian minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi posted on X, "The US backed Israel's Gaza blockade, cutting aid under "security" claims, yet condemns Iran for defending itself in Strait of Hormuz."

“Double standard: Israel's crimes are OK while Iran's defense against aggressors is condemned. International law is not tool of convenience,” Araghchi said.

A senior Iranian official told Reuters on Thursday that Iran said diplomacy has not stopped but there is still no realistic plan for negotiations with the United States.

“Diplomacy has not stopped, and if realism prevails in Washington, a path forward may still be found,” the official said.

The official said Turkey and Pakistan are trying to help establish common ground between the two sides, but “there is still no arrangement for negotiations” and no plan for talks appears viable at this stage.

"You have Chinese satellites, Russian satellites feeding imagery & info to Iran. The Iranians take this instantaneously, match it to their tactical ballistic missiles & they can launch out to a thousand miles," says Geopolitical Risk Advisor Colonel (Retd) Douglas.McGregor

Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty met Lebanese President Joseph Aoun in Beirut on Thursday amid a swirl of diplomatic discussions about the Iran war.

Abdelatty said that, in shuttling messages between Iran and the United States, Egypt has noted a mutual “desire for calm, for the exploration of negotiations” on both sides. But he warned the talks have not yielded “specific conclusions.”

When asked about Egypt’s role in mediating between Israel and Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah, he told reporters that Egyptian diplomats were voicing to all parties their opposition to Israeli occupation and destruction of civilian infrastructure in southern Lebanon.

He said the goal was to prevent the region “from sinking into a state of chaos from which it cannot emerge.”

Former Advisor to Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu, Daniel Rubenstein, says, "Right now, the operation is ongoing. Iran fired a number of ballistic missiles at me this morning here in Tel Aviv. Iran continues to block the Strait of Hormuz. Iran refuses to give up its nuclear weapons program. It refuses to not have a massive stockpile of ballistic missiles... So if the war were to end right now without any kind of political resolution to these problems, I would not consider it a success. And that is a big reason that the war is ongoing."

"Israel's positions are pretty clear for the simple reason that the goal of this current Iranian regime is the destruction of Israel. Given that's the case, Israel is not going to sit back and watch as Iran stockpiles ballistic missiles that it can fire in huge numbers and overwhelm our missile defences. We're not going to wait until that becomes too much of a problem. We're going to stop it. At the same time, we're not going to sit and wait while the Iranian regime enriches uranium to weapons-grade level. Right now, the Iranian regime is in possession of weapons-grade uranium and if it chooses to do a little bit more work on this weapons-grade uranium, it will have enough nuclear bombs. It will have 11 nuclear bombs. So these are pretty clear reasons for being in an armed conflict with another government that seeks my destruction...," he told ANI.

Prime Minister Netanyahu: "We continue to forcefully strike the targets of the Iranian terrorist regime. Last night, we eliminated the Commander of the IRGC Navy. This man had a great deal of blood on his hands; he was also the one who led the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

In response to some media reports about RIL buying Iranian oil, Reliance Industries Limited says, "We categorically reject recent media reports that the company has purchased crude oil of Iranian origin. These reports are baseless, leading to misleading and incorrect claims. We urge the concerned media outlets to verify facts before publication.”

Donald Trump said on Wednesday that Iran negotiators had offered him the position of supreme leader as part of a deal to end the war, adding no one in Tehran is willing to take leadership due to the threat of assassination.

"We'd like to make you the next supreme leader. No, thank you. I don't want it," Trump said at a fundraising dinner in Washington.

Amid the ongoing conflict in West Asia, an LPG vessel, Apollo Ocean, arrived at the New Mangalore Port.

India's Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas posted on X, “India’s energy supply is fully secure and stable. There is NO shortage of petrol, diesel, or LPG anywhere in the country. All retail outlets are operating normally, with adequate supplies.”

"Misinformation and panic-driven narratives are completely unfounded. Citizens are advised to rely only on official sources and avoid spreading rumours. Government remains committed to ensuring uninterrupted energy access for every citizen," it added.

A US Navy Sailor was injured aboard USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) while the aircraft carrier was conducting flight operations in the Arabian Sea on March 25. The injury is not combat-related nor life threatening.

The Sailor has been transported ashore for additional medical care and remains in stable condition. The circumstances of the incident are under investigation.

The Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group continues to conduct strike missions in support of Operation Epic Fury.

Trump posted on X, “The Iranian negotiators are very different and “strange.” They are “begging” us to make a deal, which they should be doing since they have been militarily obliterated, with zero chance of a comeback, and yet they publicly state that they are only “looking at our proposal.” WRONG!!! They better get serious soon, before it is too late, because once that happens, there is NO TURNING BACK, and it won’t be pretty! President DJT”

Indirect talks between the US and Iran were taking place through messages relayed by Pakistan, Pakistan Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said on Thursday.

In a post on X, Dar said there had been “unnecessary speculation” in the media about efforts to end the conflict in the Middle East.

The Pentagon is preparing military options for a possible “final blow” against Iran, including ground operations and a large-scale bombing campaign, Axios reported on Thursday, citing US officials and sources.

"Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas categorically states that India's petroleum and LPG supply situation is fully secure and under control. All retail fuel outlets have enough supplies. There is no shortage of petrol, diesel, or LPG anywhere in the country. The Ministry calls upon citizens not to be misled by a deliberately mischievous, coordinated campaign of misinformation that is being carried out to spread unjustified panic," said the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards navy commander Alireza Tangsiri was killed in Bandar Abbas, The Times of Israel quoted an Israeli official as saying. The official said Tangsiri was responsible for the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

There has been no confirmation from Iran yet.

The Pentagon is considering whether to divert weapons intended for Ukraine to the Middle East as the war in Iran depletes some of the US military’s most critical munitions, the Washington Post reports, citing three people familiar with the matter

Israel took Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and parliamentary speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf off its hit-list after Pakistan requested Washington not to target them, a Pakistani official told Reuters on Thursday.

"The Israelis had their ... coordinates and wanted to take them out, we told the US if they are also eliminated then there is no one else to talk to, hence the US asked the Israelis to back off," the official said.