Iran War: Trump-Netanyahu Clash Over Negotiations as Oil Tankers Test Hormuz

Tensions between the US and Iran remain high as negotiations stall. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei confirmed talks continue through Pakistani mediators. Iran has signaled willingness to suspend uranium enrichment, transfer enriched uranium to Russia or China, and leave bombed enrichment facilities uncleared, but insists on sequencing: first ending the war, resolving the Strait of Hormuz crisis, sanctions relief, and repatriation of frozen assets. The US rejects sequencing. A lengthy call between Trump and Netanyahu revealed Netanyahu favors a strike while Trump seeks a deal. Trump extended his attack window by a few days. White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller warned Iran of unprecedented military action if no agreement is reached. Three supertankers carrying 6 million barrels of oil passed through the Strait of Hormuz, the largest volume since the conflict began, sending oil prices down. The ships used a northern route designated by Iran, suggesting a possible deal. However, US forces boarded and redirected an Iranian-flagged tanker in the Gulf of Oman, and have redirected 91 ships since the blockade. Bond and financial markets continue to decline, with consumer debt at crisis levels and fertilizer prices up 44% since the war started.