Trump Agrees to Two-Week Pause in Iran Bombing; Oil Prices Plummet Nearly 18%

Trump stated that he had spoken with Pakistani leaders. Pakistan has been playing a mediating role between Washington and Tehran and sought a two-week ceasefire. Trump posted on social media: "Based on my conversations with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff Asim Munir, who asked me to delay tonight's destructive attack on Iran, I have agreed to a two-week pause in bombing and attacks on Iran, provided that the Islamic Republic of Iran agrees to a complete, immediate, and safe opening of the Strait of Hormuz." Trump noted that the United States had received a 10-point proposal from Iran and considered it a viable basis for negotiation. He stated in the post that almost all points of contention between the US and Iran had been agreed upon in the past, and these two weeks would help finalize a comprehensive agreement. Trump has repeatedly adjusted his statements on war objectives and timelines. He reiterated that the US believes its objectives have been achieved. The war began on February 28th, when the United States and Israel launched attacks on Iran, and Iran subsequently retaliated against Israel and Persian Gulf countries with US military bases. This war shook global markets and pushed up oil prices. After Trump announced that large-scale strikes on Iran would be delayed for two weeks, West Texas Intermediate crude oil prices plummeted 17.84% to $92.80 per barrel around 7:28 AM Taipei time today. (Compiled by Hsu Jui-cheng) 1150408