Uncertainty in Middle East Over Conflicting Reports About Talks
The war in the Middle East has entered an uncertain stage, with the US and Iran putting out conflicting statements about whether talks to settle the conflict are underway.
US-Iran Tensions Enter Fourth Week
REPORTER:
Another day of carnage as the US-Israel war with Iran enters week four. Here in Tehran, rescue workers search the ruins of an apartment building hit in a strike. But the war in the Middle East isn’t just dragging on—it has now entered a phase where outsiders cannot say for sure what the two sides are really up to.
REPORTER:
US President Donald Trump says he’s postponing plans to attack Iran’s power sector for 5 days. And he says US envoys are in talks with Iran—and winning key concessions to US demands.
Donald Trump (US PRESIDENT):
So, they called. I didn't call. They called. They want to make a deal. And we are very willing to make a deal. There's got to be a good deal and it's got to be no more wars, no more nuclear weapons.
REPORTER:
But Iran’s always said its nuclear program was peaceful. And it says Trump’s suggestion the two sides are talking is fake news. State media cited the country’s parliamentary speaker posting on social media that talks with the US never happened.
Voice of: Iranian News Anchor:
In reaction to Trump’s false claim, the Speaker of the Parliament emphasized that no negotiations have taken place with the US. Mr. Galibaf shared a message on social media saying that “our people demand the complete and humiliating punishment of the aggressors.” And mentioned that “all officials stand firmly behind their leader and people, until this goal is reached,” and that no negotiations have taken place with the US.
REPORTER:
Still, when Trump announced talks with Iran, markets appeared to relax after a volatile period. In New York, oil prices lowered somewhat, and stocks jumped. Indexes in Europe saw gains too.
Eric Lynch (CO-PORTFOLIO MANAGER, SUNCOAST EQUITY MANAGEMENT):
Today after a pretty brutal month since the inception of the Iranian-Israeli-U.S. war, we're getting a bounce back. Why? Clearly, it's because of Trump's tweet today that there would be a five day moratorium on energy infrastructure sites.
REPORTER:
But Trump’s threat to hit Iran’s energy sector is postponed—not lifted. Iran, he says, must lift its virtual blockade over the Strait of Hormuz, this narrow waterway to its south that supplies a fifth of the world’s crude.
REPORTER:
Now Trump’s going even further, saying the Strait will next go under what he called “joint control”—perhaps with himself in one of the controlling roles. And, if in five days Iran doesn’t meet his demands, he says bombing will continue.
Eason Chen and John Van Trieste for TaiwanPlus.
