Donald Trump has issued a five-day deadline and warned Iran it could be “annihilated” if it does not reach a peace deal with America.
The US president insisted that “very good and productive” discussions on ending the war were taking place — a claim which has since been labelled as “fake news” by the Iranian parliament speaker, who said there had been no talks.
Mr Trump has also announced a five-day pause on US military strikes on Iranian energy sites, just hours before a 48-hour ultimatum issued by Mr Trump to Tehran over opening the Strait of Hormuz was due to expire.
Speaking on Monday, the president said: “We were planning tomorrow on shooting down some of their power plants, we’re gonna hold that up, hopefully we won't have to do it.
“At the end of this [five-day] period it could very well end up being a very good deal for everybody. As good as if we went all the way and just literally annihilated the place, which if we don't have to do that, that would be a good thing not a bad thing”.
Key Points
- Iranian parliament speaker denies talks took place with US
- Brent crude oil jumps over $100 a barrel
- EU chief says global energy situation is 'critical'
- Trump says there's a 'very good chance' of getting deal with Iran
- Trump claims talks with Iran started on Saturday night
- Starmer says war could go on for 'some time'
Japan to release oil from joint stockpiles
03:45 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarJapan will release oil from joint stockpiles held by producing nations in the country by the end of March, prime minister Sanae Takaichi said in a post on X.
Japan started releasing 15 days worth of private-sector oil inventories last week as part of an ongoing response to the Iran war, which has blocked oil and natural gas shipments from the Middle East.
Ms Takaichi said the country will tap a month's worth of crude from the state reserves from Thursday. "We began releasing privately held reserves on 16 March, and will begin releasing national reserves from the 26th," Ms Takaichi said in the post.
Japan's contribution to a record oil stockpile release coordinated by the International Energy Agency will total nearly 80 million barrels, consisting mainly of crude oil.
Israel attacks Beirut
03:30 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
EU chief responds to question about securing Strait of Hormuz
03:15 , Rachel DobkinUrsula von der Leyen, chief of the European Union, has been asked whether the group would help secure the Strait of Hormuz, a waterway that carries about a fifth of the world’s oil.
“Leaders in the European Union have been very clear that when the hostilities end, they could envisage an operation”, von der Leyen said at a briefing in Canberra, Australia, Tuesday local time, per The New York Times.
“The situation is critical for the energy supplies worldwide. We all feel the knock-on effects on gas and oil prices, our businesses and our societies”, the EU chief added.
Brent crude oil jumps over $100 a barrel
03:15 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarOil prices jumped back above $100 per barrel in early trade this morning on supply fears, as Iran denied it had held talks with the US to end the war in the Gulf, contradicting president Donald Trump, who said a deal could be reached soon.
Brent futures rose $1.06, or 1.1 per cent, to $101 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate climbed $1.58, or 1.8 per cent, to $89.71.
Yesterday the crude futures dropped more than 10 per cent after Mr Trump said he had ordered a five‑day delay to attacks he had threatened on Iran's power plants, adding the US had held productive talks with unnamed Iranian officials that had produced "major points of agreement".
"By shelving the plan to strike Iranian power plants for five days, the U.S. effectively sucked much of the 'war premium' from the oil price," said Tim Waterer, chief market analyst at KCM Trade.
"Today's moderate bounce is just the market finding its footing in the mud. Traders are aware that while the missiles are on hold, the Strait of Hormuz is still far from a clear waterway."
Co-founder of American Conservative group demands Vance use 25th Amendment to remove Trump
03:00 , Bryony GoochThe co-founder of a prominent conservative magazine wants US Vice President JD Vance to invoke a never-before-used part of the Constitution to remove US President Donald Trump from office, amid growing criticism of the war with Iran.
“My advice to Vance: Announce your support of 25th amendment transition,” Scott McConnell, co-founder of The American Conservative, wrote on X on Sunday. “Say Chris Murphy or similar will be veep. Announce you will NOT be a candidate in 2028. Use your position, access to the media to explain why this is necessary. Don't resign.”
Read more from Josh Marcus...
Co-founder of conservative magazine demands Vance use 25th Amendment to remove Trump
Iraq's Shi'ite PMF blames US for airstrike that killed commander: report
02:45 , Rachel DobkinIraq’s Shi'ite Popular Mobilisation Force has blamed the US for an airstrike that killed a commander and several others, the Associated Press reported, citing the paramilitary.
The PMF said early Tuesday local time that its commander, Saad Dawai al-Baiji, died in the strike in the western province of Anbar.
The Shi'ite group accused the US of being behind the attack.
The Independent has reached out to the US Central Command for comment.
Trump's special envoy travels to Pakistan: report
02:30 , Rachel DobkinSteve Witkoff, US President Donald Trump’s special envoy to the Middle East, has travelled to Pakistan, The Times has reported.
Pakistan has offered to host in-person talks between the US and Iran, but prominent Iranian officials have not signalled that they’d be there, according to The Times.
Trump says Strait of Hormuz may be controlled by 'me and the ayatollah'
02:15 , Rachel DobkinUS President Donald Trump has said the Strait of Hormuz will be controlled by “me and the ayatollah”.
CNN’s Kaitlan Collins asked Trump Monday, “What about the Strait of Hormuz? Who’s going to be in control of that?”
Trump said it would be “jointly controlled,” possibly by him.
“Maybe me. Me and the Ayatollah. Whoever the Ayatollah is, whoever the next Ayatollah is”, the president said.
After the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed early in the Iran war, his son, Mojtaba Khamenei, took over as the country’s leader.
The Strait of Hormuz, which carries about a fifth of the world’s oil, has been effectively closed by Iran amid the war, and Trump has been trying to open it.
WATCH: Iran denies Trump's 'desperate' peace-talk claims
02:00 , Rachel DobkinIranian energy infrastructure damaged in strikes: report
01:45 , Rachel DobkinIranian energy infrastructure has been damaged in airstrikes, the Associated Press reported, citing the Fars news agency.
Fars, a semiofficial Iranian news agency close to Iran’s Revolutionary Guard, reported that natural gas infrastructure in Isfahan was hit, and a gas pipeline for the Khorramshahr power plant was targeted.
Kuwait's energy ministry says 'air defense operations' caused a 'partial power outage'
01:26 , Rachel DobkinKuwait's energy ministry has said “air defense operations” caused a “partial power outage”.
Seven overhead power lines were damaged by falling debris in several areas, the ministry said in a translated statement early Tuesday morning local time, adding, “Work is underway to restore power as quickly as possible”.
Saudi Arabia shoots down nearly 30 drones in a few hours
01:09 , Rachel DobkinSaudi Arabia’s Ministry of Defence announced that it shot down 28 drones in a few hours early Tuesday morning local time.
In a series of social media posts, the ministry announced the interception and destruction of dozens of drones in the eastern region.
In pictures: Smoke rises from Beirut's southern suburbs following an Israeli strike
00:30 , Bryony Gooch
Israeli minister calls for annexation of southern Lebanon
00:00 , Bryony GoochAn Israeli minister has called for the annexation of southern Lebanon after Israeli troops bombed bridges and destroyed homes in an escalating military assault.
The comments by the far-right finance minister Bezalel Smotrich were the most explicit yet by a senior Israeli official on seizing Lebanese territory in a fight Israel says targets Iran-backed Hezbollah militants.
Lebanon was pulled into the regional war on March 2 when Hezbollah fired missiles into Israel.
Since then, Israel has ordered all residents to evacuate south of the Litani River as it pummels the area with air strikes, viewing it as a stronghold of Hezbollah, which has kept up rocket attacks on Israel.
Lebanese authorities say the Israeli air and ground assault has killed more than 1,000 people, and more than a million have been driven from their homes.
Reuters witnesses heard at least three blasts in Beirut's Dahiyeh district late on Monday, as the Israeli military said it had attacked Hezbollah sites in the city.
An earlier strike in Beirut on Monday killed a commander of the elite Quds Force of Iran's Revolutionary Guards, the Israeli military said.
Airstrikes on Iraq's Shi'ite PMF site kill six including Anbar commander
Monday 23 March 2026 23:46 , Harriette BoucherSix people are now reported to have died in airstrikes in western Anbar.
Airstrikes targeting a site belonging to Iraq's Shi'ite Popular Mobilisation Forces in the western province of Anbar killed six fighters and wounded 15 others, including the PMF's Anbar operations commander, security sources said.
US claims to have hit nearly 10,000 targets since beginning of Iran war
Monday 23 March 2026 23:40 , Harriette BoucherAmerica has struck more than 9,000 targets and damaged or destroyed more than 140 Iranian vessels since it launched strikes last month, the US Central Command said in an update.
“CENTCOM forces are striking targets to dismantle the Iranian regime’s security apparatus, prioritising locations that pose an imminent threat,” it said.
White House won't provide details of US-Iran negotiations
Monday 23 March 2026 23:25 , Harriette BoucherThe White House has declined to comment on discussions between the US and Iran, and whether officials would meet this week for talks.
Chief press secretary Karoline Leavitt said: “These are sensitive diplomatic discussions and the U.S. will not negotiate through the press.
“This is a fluid situation, and speculation about meetings should not be deemed as final until they are formally announced by the White House.”
It comes after Donald Trump said the two countries had “very good and productive” discussions, a claim which Iranian officials have denied.
Two dead after air attack targets PMF base in western Iraq
Monday 23 March 2026 23:04 , Harriette BoucherTwo of Iraq's Shi'ite Popular Mobilisation forces fighters were killed in airstrikes in western Anbar, security sources have said.
Another five people were wounded after airstrikes targeted a site belonging to the Popular Mobilisation forces, a mostly Iranian-backed coalition of Shi'ite militias, in the western province of Anbar.
Trump proposes extraordinary ‘joint leadership’ of Iran alongside ayatollah
Monday 23 March 2026 23:00 , Bryony GoochDonald Trump proposed the extraordinary idea of “joint leadership” of Iran following claims that successful negotiations with Tehran were underway.
Speaking to reporters on Monday, Mr Trump suggested the US could run the country alongside an unnamed Iranian leader.
Warming to his theme, the US president said recent talks indicated there would be “very serious form of regime change” in Iran, adding that the Strait of Hormuz could be “jointly controlled”.
Oisin McIlroy reports:
Trump proposes extraordinary ‘joint leadership’ of Iran alongside ayatollah
Starmer told ‘we are at war’ as MPs accuse him of ‘complacency’ on defence
Monday 23 March 2026 22:34 , Harriette BoucherSir Keir Starmer has been accused of “complacency” by senior MPs as he faced a grilling over the UK’s lack of preparedness for the war in the Middle East.
The prime minister clashed with both Labour and Tory MPs as he appeared before the Commons liaison committee – made up of the chairs of parliamentary select committees – where he was challenged with claims that the UK “is at war”.
The appearance came ahead of the prime minister’s chairing of an emergency Cobra meeting on Monday afternoon to prepare for the war’s impact on the cost of living, and he admitted to MPs he was unable to give a timetable for the end of the conflict despite Donald Trump’s declaration of a ceasefire.
But the concerns expressed forcefully by MPs on the liaison committee are reflected in polling by Ipsos, released on Monday just ahead of Sir Keir’s appearance, revealing that public concern about defence issues has more than doubled since last month.
Ipsos found that those worried about the UK’s defence increased from 16 per cent to 31 per cent, putting it up three places to third behind immigration and the economy in priority.
Starmer told ‘we are at war’ as MPs accuse him of ‘complacency’ on defence
Pentagon weighs sending in 3,000 troops to help Iran war, including potentially seizing main oil hub: report
Monday 23 March 2026 22:07 , Harriette BoucherThe Pentagon is weighing sending in about 3,000 troops to support the Iran war effort, which may include seizing Kharg Island, the Middle Eastern country’s main oil export hub, according to a new report.
Senior Pentagon officials may deploy the Army’s 82nd Airborne Division’s “Immediate Response Force,” a combat brigade of about 3,000 soldiers that can deploy paratroopers and equipment anywhere in the world within 18 hours, The New York Times reported Monday, citing defense officials.
The combat brigade and some elements of the 82nd Airborne’s headquarters staff may reportedly be deployed to help in the US-Israeli military campaign against Iran, which is now in its fourth week.
The combat brigade could be used to seize Kharg Island, Iran’s key oil export terminal, according to the NYT. The defense officials cautioned that nothing had been ordered by the Pentagon or US Central Command, which covers the Middle East.
The Pentagon declined to comment on the reporting, telling The Independent, “Due to operations security, we do not discuss future or hypothetical movements.”
Pentagon weighs sending in 3,000 troops to help Iran war: report
Watch: 'My whole life has been a negotiation': Donald Trump gives update on Iran conflict
Monday 23 March 2026 22:00 , Bryony GoochWhite House eyeing Iranian parliamentary speaker as potential US-backed leader: report
Monday 23 March 2026 21:56 , Harriette BoucherThe White House is reportedly considering Iran’s parliamentary speaker as the potential leader of Iran as Donald Trump looks to make a deal.
One administrative official said Mohammad Bager Galibaf, who has just today lashed out at the president over “fake news” claims, was a top pick.
They told Politico “he’s a hot option,” but cautioned that no decisions have been made. “He’s one of the highest…But we got to test them, and we can’t rush into it.”
Two officials told the publication that the White House was not ready to commit to any one person and was hoping to stress test multiple candidates as they look for someone willing to make a deal.
Galibaf has consistently criticised and threatened Trump and his administration. On Monday, he wrote on social media: “Iranian people demand complete and remorseful punishment of the aggressors. All Iranian officials stand firmly behind their supreme leader and people until this goal is achieved.
“No negotiations have been held with the US, and fake news is used to manipulate the financial and oil markets and escape the quagmire in which the US and Israel are trapped.”
Saudi Arabia targeted with four drones
Monday 23 March 2026 21:38 , Harriette BoucherSaudi Arabia shot down four drones on Monday night, its ministry of defence has said.
It has not reported any casualties and said all drones were intercepted and destroyed.
Wall Street indexes rally after Trump postpones strikes on Iran's power plants
Monday 23 March 2026 21:29 , Harriette BoucherThe three main US stock indexes finished Monday's session up more than 1 per cent as oil prices fell after President Donald Trump said he had ordered the military to postpone strikes against Iranian power plants following "productive conversations" with Tehran.
However, Iran's parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bager Galibaf posted on social media that no talks had been held with the US, contradicting Trump's announcement that there were talks between the United States and Iran in the past day in which the two sides had "major points of agreement" and that a deal could be done soon to settle the war.
While U.S. equities fell last week, they staged a sharp recovery on Monday after Trump's comments sent oil prices lower. Equities had been trading lower earlier in the day after threats of attacks on Israeli and Iranian power networks.
Recap: Brent Crude slides down 10 per cent after Trump signals de-escalation
Monday 23 March 2026 21:00 , Bryony GoochBrent Crude Oil, considered to be the global oil benchmark, has gone down in price after US president Donald Trump signalled a de-escalation in the Iran war.
Prices rested at $100 (£74.46) as the market closed on Monday.
Why has Trump paused US attacks on Iran’s energy infrastructure – and are talks actually taking place?
Monday 23 March 2026 20:49 , Bryony GoochDonald Trump has been accused of creating “fake news” in an attempt to soothe financial markets after he hit a pause on striking Iran’s energy infrastructure and announced that the US was having “productive” discussions with Tehran on ending the war.
Iran’s parliament speaker quickly denied any discussions had taken place, and condemned the US president for spreading misinformation in a bid to “escape the quagmire”.
Mr Trump said on Monday he was extending a 48-hour deadline for Iran to reopen the crucial Strait of Hormuz or face attacks on its power plants, saying it has an additional five days.
Harriette Boucher reports:
Why has Trump paused attacks on Iran’s energy sites - and are talks really happening?
Zelensky claims Ukraine has 'irrefutable' evidence Russia is providing Iran with intelligence
Monday 23 March 2026 20:36 , Bryony GoochUkraine's military intelligence claims to have "irrefutable" evidence that Russia continues to provide intelligence to Iran and such activity can only prolong the war in the Middle East.
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky said on Monday: "Russia is using its own signals intelligence and electronic intelligence capabilities, as well as part of the data obtained through cooperation with partners in the Middle East," he said on X after meeting the head of military intelligence.
Speaking later in his nightly video address, Zelensky said there was "growing evidence" of continued Russian efforts to funnel intelligence to Iran.
"This is clearly destructive activity and must be stopped as it only leads to further destabilisation. All responsible states have an interest in ensuring security and preventing bigger problem," he said.
"Markets are already reacting negatively and this is significantly complicating the fuel situation in many countries. By helping the Iranian regime survive and strike more accurately, Russia is effectively prolonging the war."
The Kremlin last week dismissed a Wall Street Journal report that Russia was sharing satellite imagery and improved drone technology with Iran as "fake news".
Labour MPs call for a vote on any further involvement in the Iran war
Monday 23 March 2026 20:17 , Bryony GoochLabour MPs including Diane Abbott have called for a vote in Parliament on any further involvement in the Iran war.
Defence secretary John Healey was urged to learn "the lessons of Iraq" that the British public will not accept anything less than a parliamentary debate and vote.
Mother of the House Ms Abbott said: "The Iranian regime is a threat to us all, not least to its own population.
"I would implore ministers to remember the importance of a debate in Parliament, just as we had on Iraq, if we move further in involvement with Trump's war."
Responding, Mr Healey said: "The Prime Minister himself has said, while we are taking the necessary action to defend ourselves and our allies, we will not be drawn into the wider war."
Starmer loses his cool with Tory MP whilst being grilled on Iran conflict
Monday 23 March 2026 20:04 , Harriette BoucherEx-Wall Street Journal editor gives damning verdict on Trump’s latest Iran claims: ‘We have become Baghdad Bob’
Monday 23 March 2026 19:26 , Harriette BoucherThe Independent’s US News Reporter Graig Graziosi reports:
A prominent journalist at two right-leaning outlets has compared President Donald Trump’s Iran war messaging to that of Saddam Hussein’s notorious chief spokesperson during the invasion of Iraq, “Baghdad Bob.”
Gerard Baker, a Fox News contributor and the former Wall Street Journal editor-in-chief compared Trump to Mohammed Saeed al-Sahhaf, Iraq's minister of information during the 2003 U.S. invasion. He earned the nicknames "Baghdad Bob" and "Comical Ali" in the west due to colorfully delivered and optimistic but wildly inaccurate statements about the ongoing war.
Baker, now editor-at-large for the WSJ and a columnist for British newspaper The Times, made the comparison after a back-and-forth between Trump and Iran concerning the state of negotiations left people on both sides of the conflict confused.
Ex-Wall Street Journal editor likens Trump’s Iran war messaging to ‘Baghdad Bob’
Netanyahu says Trump sees chance of deal with Iran
Monday 23 March 2026 18:52 , Harriette BoucherIBenjamin Netanyahu said on Monday that he spoke with Donald Trump, who saw a chance of reaching a deal with Iran.
Trump believed there was a possibility of “leveraging the mighty achievements obtained by the IDF and the U.S. military, in order to realise the goals of the war in a deal - a deal that will preserve our vital interests," Netanyahu said in a video statement released by his office.
Starmer responds to Trump insults
Monday 23 March 2026 18:42 , Harriette BoucherThe Independent’s Political Editor David Maddox reports:
Asked about recent ‘quite rude’ comments made by Donald Trump, the Prime Minister said: “I’m utterly focused on what is in the best interests of our country and I am unapologetic about that.
“Notwithstanding the pressure that comes from elsewhere, I will remain laser focused on what is in the British national interest.
“And a lot of what is said or done is undoubtedly said and done to put pressure on me, I have no doubt about that. I understand what is going on.
“But I am not going to wavering on this. I am the British Prime Minister and my job is to be absolutely focused on what is in the British national interest.
“That has served me well in recent weeks and that is the principle that I will continue to adhere to as we go forward taking difficult decisions.”
Kharg island: The tiny oil hub in Persian Gulf that Trump could seize in major escalation of war against Iran
Monday 23 March 2026 18:38 , Harriette BoucherAs the US war with Iran continues, attention has turned to a tiny island off the coast of the Middle Eastern country.
Kharg Island, whose total area is just 7.7 square miles, is situated northwest of the strategically important shipping route, the Strait of Hormuz.
Despite its small size, the island holds around 94 per cent of the country’s crude oil for export, mostly bound for China, and its main oil export terminal.
It has now been reported that Donald Trump is considering putting American troops on the ground in Iran to seize the key oil terminal in the Persian Gulf.
The possibility of US troops seizing the island is a starkly different tone from the one struck by the president on Friday, who said he was considering “winding down” the war with Tehran.
Mr Trump’s top spokeswoman confirmed the details to The Telegraph but cautioned that he had not made a final decision.
Kharg island: A tiny Persion oil hub could be Trump’s secret weapon against Iran
Pentagon considers deployment of troops to Iran
Monday 23 March 2026 18:35 , Harriette BoucherSenior US military officials are weighing up whether to deploy a brigade from the Army’s 82nd Airborne Division to seize Kharg Island, Iran’s main oil export hub.
It would include around 3,000 soldiers that are capable of deploying anywhere in the world within 18 hours, the New York Times reported.
If Donald Trump decides to seize the island, another possibility would be an attack by around 2,500 troops from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, defence officials told the newspaper.
The officials said nothing had yet been ordered by the Pentagon or US Central Command.
Vance and Netanyahu discuss efforts to open negotiations with Iran, source claims
Monday 23 March 2026 18:22 , Harriette BoucherJD Vance discussed efforts to open negotiations with Iran during a phone call on Monday with Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Axios reported, citing a source familiar with the call.
The source said the pair also discussed the components of a possible agreement to end the US-Israeli war on Iran.
Trump proposes extraordinary ‘joint leadership’ of Iran alongside Ayatollah
Monday 23 March 2026 18:18 , Harriette BoucherOisin Mcilroy reports:
Donald Trump proposed the extraordinary idea of “joint leadership” of Iran following claims that successful negotiations with Tehran were underway.
Speaking to reporters on Monday, Trump suggested the US could run the country alongside an unnamed Iranian leader.
Warming to his theme, Trump said recent talks indicated there would be “very serious form of regime change” in Iran, adding that the Strait of Hormuz could be “jointly controlled”.
Asked by whom, the president said, “Maybe me. Me and the ayatollah, whoever the ayatollah is, whoever the next ayatollah is.
“There’s automatically a regime change, but we’re dealing with some people that I find to be very reasonable, very solid,” he said. “The people within know who they are. They’re very respected, and maybe one of them will be exactly what we’re looking for.”
Trump proposes extraordinary ‘joint leadership’ of Iran alongside Ayatollah
Iran has 'one more opportunity to end threats to America'
Monday 23 March 2026 18:05 , Harriette BoucherDonald Trump has declared Iran has “one more opportunity” to end its threats against America.
Speaking on Monday, the president said: “Now, Iran has one more opportunity to end its threats to America and our allies, and we hope they take it.”
He added: “We were planning tomorrow on shooting down some of their power plants, we’re gonna hold that up, hopefully we won't have to do it.
“I think there's a very good chance we're going to end up with a deal and so we're giving it five days and then we're going to see where that takes us.”
'My whole life has been a negotiation': Donald Trump gives update on Iran conflict
Monday 23 March 2026 17:51 , Harriette BoucherTrump says there's a 'very good chance' of getting deal with Iran
Monday 23 March 2026 17:44 , Harriette BoucherDonald Trump has said there’s a “very good chance” there will be a deal with Iran, and the US “hopefully” won’t have to attack its power plants.
Speaking from Memphis, the US president went on to say it would be a “good thing” to not have to annihilate Iran.
He said: “We were planning tomorrow on shooting down some of their power plants, we’re gonna hold that up, hopefully we won't have to do it.
“I think there's a very good chance we're going to end up with a deal and so we're giving it five days and then we're going to see where that takes us.
“At the end of this period it could very well end up being a very good deal for everybody. As good as if we went all the way and just literally annihilated the place, which if we don't have to do that, that would be a good thing not a bad thing.”
In focus: How GPS interference is creating chaos in the Middle East
Monday 23 March 2026 17:30 , James ReynoldsIran’s control of the Strait of Hormuz has created chaos in the global economy and has become the most urgent problem facing Donald Trump and Israel as they carry out their war against Iran.
On the water, Iranian attacks have reduced commercial activity by as much as 95 per cent in just three weeks.
But maps tell a different story, as countries wage an invisible war by land, air and sea, distorting GPS information to sow chaos or hide in plain sight.
Read the full story:
How high-tech spoofing is causing chaos in the Middle East during the US-Iran war
Trump claims talks with Iran started on Saturday night
Monday 23 March 2026 17:28 , Harriette BoucherDonald Trump has claimed the US has been in talks with Iran since Saturday night, despite Tehran’s parliament speaker rejecting that any discussions have taken place.
Speaking from Memphis, the US president also said he believes Iran has agreed to not have any nuclear weapons.
He said: “We are now having really good discussions, they started last night, a little bit the night before that. I think they’re really good. They want peace, they agreed they will not have a nuclear weapon.”
US and Iran discussing 15 points to end the war, Trump says
Monday 23 March 2026 17:00 , James ReynoldsDuring his address today, Trump said that the US was discussing 15 points to end the war with Iran.
As a reminder, Trump did not say who he was discussing peace with, except that it was “a top person”.
An Israeli official told Axios’ Barak Ravid that US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner were talking to Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Ghalibaf.
Trump said on Monday that Tehran giving up nuclear ambitions were points “one, two and three” of the proposals under discussion.
UK summons Iranian ambassador over charges against Iranian national, UK-Iranian dual citizen
Monday 23 March 2026 16:44 , Harriette BoucherThe Iranian ambassador has been summoned to the FCDO OVER after an Iranian national and one British-Iranian dual national were charged last week on suspicion of providing assistance to Iran's intelligence service.
Iran's foreign ministry denies talking to the US about a peace deal
Monday 23 March 2026 16:30 , James ReynoldsIran's foreign ministry spokesperson denied on Monday holding any talks with the US over the past 24 days, shortly after President Donald Trump said the two sides had found "major points of agreement" in the past few days.
In recent days, friendly countries sent messages indicating that the US had requested talks to end the war, but Iran had not responded, state news agency IRNA quoted the ministry spokesperson as saying.
Iranian parliament speaker denies negotiations with US
Monday 23 March 2026 16:24 , Harriette BoucherIran’s parliament speaker has denied claims there have been negotiations with the US, saying “fakenews” is being used to “manipulate” oil markets.
A social media account attributed to Mohammad Bager Galibaf posted: “Iranian people demand complete and remorseful punishment of the aggressors. All Iranian officials stand firmly behind their supreme leader and people until this goal is achieved.
“No negotiations have been held with the US, and fakenews is used to manipulate the financial and oil markets and escape the quagmire in which the US and Israel are trapped.”
Earlier, Axios reporter Barak Ravid said an Israeli official told him US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner were negotiating with Ghalibaf.
US asked for meeting with Iranian parliament speaker
Monday 23 March 2026 16:12 , Harriette BoucherThe US has requested a meeting with Iran's parliament speaker Mohammad Bager Galibaf on Saturday, senior Iranian official told Reuters, without mentioning any proposed venue.
The official, who asked not to be identified due to the sensitivity of the matter, said the Supreme National Security Council had yet to decide on any proposed talks and Iran had yet to respond.
Earlier, Axios reporter Barak Ravid said an Israeli official told him US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner were negotiating with Ghalibaf.
Pakistan eyes role as lead mediator in Iran war: report
Monday 23 March 2026 15:59 , James ReynoldsPakistan is positioning itself as the lead mediator trying to broker an end to the US and Israel’s war against Iran, the Financial Times is reporting.
Pakistani army chief Asim Munir spoke with US President Donald Trump on Sunday, the newspaper reported, citing two people briefed on the call.
Trump suggests US could control Strait of Hormuz with Iran in future
Monday 23 March 2026 15:49 , James ReynoldsDonald Trump said on Monday that he could ‘run’ the Strait of Hormuz with the leader of Iran when it fully reopens.
The US president told reporters that Washington and Tehran were aligned on many points and working towards a deal - something Iranian authorities denied.
Trump said he did not recognise the new supreme leader of Iran and was instead working with an unnamed official.
Asked by reporters who would be in charge of the Strait of Hormuz if the US and Iran can come to terms, the president said: “Maybe me, me and... whoever the next ayatollah (is).”
Trump said the waterway would be “jointly controlled” in the event of an agreement to end the war.
Recap: Trump says US and Iran in direct talks to end war
Monday 23 March 2026 15:30 , James ReynoldsDonald Trump insisted on Monday that Washington and Tehran are still in contact and are both interested in agreeing on terms to end the war.
Trump told reporters today that direct talks with Iran are progressing well towards making a deal on Iran’s nuclear programme.
The president also warned that the US “will just keep bombing our little hearts out” if an agreement cannot be reached.
He added that he did not recognise the leadership of Mojtaba Khamenei and said his envoy has been communicating with ”a top person” instead.
Axios reporter Barak Ravid wrote on X that an Israeli official told him US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are negotiating with Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf.
Watch: Trump says US will 'keep bombing our little hearts out' if they can't make a deal with Iran
Monday 23 March 2026 15:15 , James ReynoldsEU's Kallas welcomes Trump postponing strikes on Iranian power plants
Monday 23 March 2026 15:00 , James ReynoldsEU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas on Monday welcomed US President Donald Trump's announcement that there will be no attacks on Iranian energy infrastructure.
Kallas, who was meeting with Nigeria's Foreign Minister Yusuf Maitama Tuggar in Abuja, said that attacks on infrastructure were causing chaos in the region and escalating the war even further.
Trump said on Monday he had given orders to postpone any military strikes against Iranian power plants for five days.
US envoys speaking with Iranian parliament speaker: Axios
Monday 23 March 2026 14:56 , James ReynoldsAxios reporter Barak Ravid says an Israeli official told him US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are negotiating with Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf.
Trump earlier said the US was negotiating with a “top person” in Iran. He said he did not recognise the new supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei, and did not know whether or not he was still alive.
Iran’s foreign ministry said the US was not engaged in direct talks with the Iran, according to Iranian media.
Starmer says war could go on for 'some time'
Monday 23 March 2026 14:40 , James ReynoldsKeir Starmer, speaking now about Iran in the House of Commons, says that “we have got to plan for the possibility that the Middle East conflict could go on for some time”.
He reassures that the UK has not got any “meaningful concerns” about energy supply.
He says the government was made aware of talks between the US and Iran.
Analysis: Iran has finally exposed the limits of Trump’s power
Monday 23 March 2026 14:30 , James ReynoldsA five-day ‘pause’ allows Gulf nations to find dwindling air defences, buys Iran’s decentralised military system respite and gives Trump the chance to reflect on how to get out of a quagmire Tehran prepared for him, writes world affairs editor Sam Kiley:
Trump claims Iran would have had a nuke within two weeks had US not bombed Iran last year
Monday 23 March 2026 14:01 , James ReynoldsDonald Trump sensationally claims that Iran would have had a nuclear weapon within two weeks had the US not attacked Iran with Israel last June.
He says this time that he thinks there was an imminent threat from Iran.
The president claims Iran has agreed to not having a nuclear weapon, and says there are 15 points of agreement so far.
Iranian nuclear deal would be 'guaranteed peace': Trump
Monday 23 March 2026 13:49 , James ReynoldsAsked whether Israel would support a nuclear deal to restrict Iranian proliferation, Trump says such a deal would be “guaranteed peace”.
US holding talks with Iran, not Khamenei, says Trump
Monday 23 March 2026 13:45 , James ReynoldsSpeaking now from Palm Beach, Florida, Trump says that he’s holding talks with the people who “seem” to be running Iran.
He says it is still unclear whether supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei is even alive.
He says a deal to end uranium enrichment would be a great chance for Iran to build itself back, as well as a good deal for Israel and the US.
Trump says Iran wants to make a deal with the US
Monday 23 March 2026 13:43 , James ReynoldsDonald Trump has doubled down on his claims that Washington and Tehran are actively engaged in diplomatic conversations to end the war.
Fox News’ Maria Bartiromo reports that Trump - asked about the reports denying there are direct talks ongoing - said he does not know what they are talking about.
Trump is quoted as having said the most recent talks happened last night with Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner and their counterparts.
“It’s hard to get any information there because the US is blowing up so much of their infrastructure.”
Trump said Iran still wants to “do a deal badly”, she says.
Trump's claims of 'productive conversations' with Iran spark instant market reaction
Monday 23 March 2026 13:08 , Harry CockburnThe rapid impact Donald Trump’s Truth Social post announcing postponements of strikes on Iran had on the markets was broadcast live on air.
Trump’s disputed claim that the US had “VERY GOOD AND PRODUCTIVE CONVERSATIONS” with Iran, sent the markets into an immediate frenzy on CNBC.
In the moments after Trump’s post went up, Dow Jones futures shot up by 1,100 points, while oil futures plummeted.
“Obviously, the markets reacting with some relief over that,” Becky Quick, co-host of CNBC’s Squawk Box told viewers.
As it happened: How markets responded to Trump announcement
Monday 23 March 2026 13:00 , James ReynoldsEuro area government bond yields sharply reversed their rise on Monday after Donald Trump said he would order the US military to postpone any strikes against Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure for five days.
Expectations for an end of the Middle East conflict eased inflation fears and saw investors scale back their bets on future European Central Bank rate hikes.
Oil prices fell by over 13% after Trump's remarks.
Money markets priced in a depo rate at 2.69% by year-end EURESTECBM6X7=ICAP, implying two ECB rate hikes and a 75% chance of a third tightening move, from 2.94% earlier in the session, implying 3 hikes and about a 70% chance of a fourth move.
Germany's 10-year government bond yield DE10YT=RR, the euro area's benchmark, was down 3 bps at 3.01%, after hitting 3.077% early in the session, its highest level since June 2011.
