Virendra Pandit
New Delhi: As the US-Israel’s war against Iran, and Iranian retaliation against America’s allies in West Asia (Middle East), entered the 28th day on Friday, President Donald Trump said he would delay fresh attacks against Tehran’s energy infrastructure for another 10 days, until April 6, the media reported.
Contrary to Iran’s repeated rejections, however, Trump said ceasefire talks, leading to a possible peace deal, are progressing “very well.”
The warring countries continued to strike each other on Friday as well. There were no updates so far on Trump’s 15-point ‘ceasefire’ proposal nor on Iran’s five demands to end the conflict.
Israel’s UN envoy Danny Danon denied knowledge of any possible peace talks involving Iran, the US, and Israel.
Israel’s woes
Israel Defense Forces (IDF) chief Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir warned that his military could “collapse in on itself” due to rising operational pressure and manpower shortages. Jerusalem is waiting to recruit at least 12,000 new soldiers.
India
Unlike other countries facing energy crisis, the Government of India announced a cut in excise duty on petrol and diesel by Rs. 10 each, Excise duty now stands at Rs. 3 per liter on petrol and zero on diesel, according to media reports.
Besides, the government is planning to move beyond E20 fuel and push flex-fuel vehicles, as petroleum supplies face disruption due to the ongoing conflict.
Trump’s latest claims
The US President claimed that Iran had asked for a seven-day pause on US strikes targeting its energy infrastructure but he extended the deadline to 10 days (until April 6).
He said taking control of Iran’s oil supply remains “an option.” At a Cabinet meeting, he said, “I mean, I wouldn’t talk about it, but it’s an option.”
Trump said Iran allowed 10 oil tankers to pass through the Strait of Hormuz as a “present” to the United States, calling it a goodwill gesture. Interestingly, Iran said on Thursday it has allowed vessels of only five “friendly” countries—Russia, India, China, Iraq, and Pakistan—through the Strait of Hormuz, and not those of the US, Israel, and their allies.
The US President, who has taken several U-turns, now urged Iran to agree to US terms, warning that failure could lead to continued military action, and said it has a chance to step away from its nuclear ambitions. Iran sees his delays as attempt to buy time until US forces reach the Iranian mainland and islands for ground assault.
He also claimed Iran’s negotiators were “begging” for a deal and warned there would be “no turning back” if talks stalled.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said global inflation and energy prices are likely to ease once the conflict ends with what he called “absolute security.”
The war goes on
Israel said Admiral Alireza Tangsiri, head of Iran’s IRGC Navy, who controlled the Strait of Hormuz, was killed in an Israeli airstrike; the US Central Command confirmed it.
Iran said it targeted key locations in Israel’s Haifa port with drones late on Wednesday night. It also reviewed a US proposal sent via Pakistan but found it below the “minimum” requirements. Diplomacy could continue if Washington takes a more “realistic” approach, it said.
Meanwhile, Iran’s Parliament is working on a bill to impose huge fees on ships using the Strait of Hormuz, Bloomberg reported.
Tehran has barred its sports teams from traveling to countries it considers “hostile.”
Saudi Arabia’s defense ministry on Friday said drones were detected and destroyed in the eastern region, home to major oil facilities that have been repeatedly targeted.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) chief Rafael Grossi warned of risks after reported strikes near Iran’s Bushehr nuclear plant, saying damage could trigger a major radiological accident.
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