Click here for the latest updatesU.S. President Donald Trump extended his deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz on Monday (March 23, 2026), saying the U.S. will hold off striking Iranian power plants for five more days. Mr. Trump said U.S. envoys have been holding talks with a “respected” Iranian leader, and Iran wants “to make a deal.” Iranian officials denied any such negotiations, and declared that the American leader had backed down “following Iran’s firm warning”. Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Monday (March 23, 2026) that he spoke with Mr. Trump, saying that the U.S. President believed U.S.-Israeli military gains in Iran could be converted into a negotiated agreement that protects Israel’s interests. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei indicated that messages had been received from “some friendly countries indicating a U.S. request for negotiations aimed at ending the war,” according to the official IRNA news agency. Also read: South Pars | Same field, two fatesMeanwhile, two India-flagged LPG carriers, Jag Vasant and Pine gas, have transited through the Strait of Hormuz Monday (March 23, 2026) evening, according to the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.

Source: The Hindu March 24, 2026 00:35 UTC