Athira Sethu
Kochi, 27 March 2026
President Donald Trump announced that the U.S. would stop attacks on Iran’s energy plants for 10 days, as requested by Iran. President Trump also announced that the talks with Iran were going well, but the Iranian official disagreed with the U.S. proposal to end the war, saying it was unfair.
The war started with U.S.-Israeli airstrikes on February 28, resulting in many deaths, the involvement of nearby countries, and a rise in the prices of energy products worldwide. The war started after talks on Iran’s nuclear program failed. President Trump announced that if Iran did not agree to a nuclear deal, the U.S. would increase pressure on Iran. However, the U.S. announced that it would stop attacking Iran’s energy plants for 10 days until April 6, 2026.
President Trump announced that Iran requested a 7-day ceasefire, but it was not confirmed by Iran. However, mediators announced that Iran did not request a 10-day ceasefire.
The war has led to issues concerning global shipping, causing the prices of oil, gas, and fertilizers to rise. Despite Trump stating that negotiations were going well, Iran continued attacking U.S. and Israeli bases. Iran has also blocked oil from passing through the Strait of Hormuz. The U.S. has deployed its unmanned drone boats to patrol the area. These are the first times that they are being used in combat.
Trump stated that if Iran did not comply with U.S. demands, such as allowing oil tankers to pass through the Strait of Hormuz and stopping its nuclear program, then the U.S. would be Iran’s “worst nightmare.” Trump further stated that taking over Iran’s oil could be a possibility, although he did not give further information.
An Iranian official stated that the U.S. sent a 15-point proposal to Iran through Pakistan, but it was only beneficial to U.S. and Israeli interests. Despite this, talks were ongoing.
In other news, Iran has attacked Israeli cities such as Tel Aviv and Haifa with missiles. There was a rocket attack by Hezbollah in northern Israel, killing at least one person. The U.S. has deployed more troops to the Middle East, causing concerns of a ground invasion.
Trump offered Iran a chance to let 10 oil tankers pass through the Strait of Hormuz as a gesture of goodwill. The U.S. has also offered Iran a “15-point action list” that requires Iran to end its nuclear program and give control of the Strait of Hormuz to the U.S.
Pakistan, Turkey, and Egypt are facilitating indirect talks between the U.S. and Iran. However, it is a tough task. Iran is demanding guarantees that there will be no further attacks, compensation for damages, and control of the Strait of Hormuz.
Indian market trading in red:
Indian benchmark indices, Nifty 50 & Sense were trading in deep red (at 12 PM IST) despite the US pausing attacks as Indian rupee touched a record low intraday basis on Friday. Rupee touched all-time low of Rs 94.29 on intraday basis (by 12 PM IST) against dollar on the back of elevated level of crude oil, and persistent selling by FIIs (Foreign Institutional Investors).
