Breaking Update: Here’s a clear explanation of the latest developments related to Breaking News:White House says plans for Iran talks remain ‘fluid’, as oil price rises back above $100– What Just Happened and why it matters right now.
Ultimatums and a trip to Graceland as Trump eyes Iran dealpublished at 04:55 GMT
Anthony Zurcher
North America correspondent
Image source, ReutersTrump visited the home of Elvis Presley on Monday and signed a replica guitar
Donald Trump’s activities over the past few days have been a mix of diplomacy and diversions – with the occasional swing towards the surreal.
On Friday, he said the US war against Iran was “winding down”.
By Saturday night, he had given Iran a 48-hour deadline to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face withering new airstrikes on its energy production infrastructure.
On Sunday, he golfed and by Monday morning, he said the Iranians were engaging in “constructive” talks with the US. Later that day, he visited Graceland, music legend Elvis Presley’s historic home.
US contact with an unnamed Iranian leader – not confirmed by Iran – was enough to merit a five-day stay of the threatened attacks, he said.
But the prospect of talks was enough to send the US stock market surging and global oil prices dropping.
Now, Trump is back in Washington, where a new five-day countdown to US attacks on Iranian power infrastructure will begin.
After fits, starts and a pilgrimage to the home of a deceased rock legend, Trump may have provided the first indication of a real breakthrough.
Or it could be just the latest instance of this president realising that the ultimatum he delivered put him in a tight spot, forcing a move to buy himself more time.
You can read more analysis here.