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3. U.S. Limits Pause on Iran Strikes to Energy Targets as Talks Remain Disputed

The United States has clarified that its temporary pause on strikes against Iran applies only to energy infrastructure, while military operations targeting defense and strategic capabilities continue, underscoring the limited scope of the announced de-escalation.

A U.S. official told Semafor that the five-day suspension ordered by President Donald Trump does not extend to military, naval, ballistic missile, or defense industry targets, which remain active priorities under the ongoing campaign.

The clarification comes amid conflicting signals over potential diplomatic progress, with Washington maintaining that discussions with Tehran are underway, while Iran continues to deny any direct negotiations.

Partial Pause, Continued Military Pressure

Trump’s decision to delay strikes on Iran’s energy network was initially framed as a confidence-building measure following what he described as “constructive” contacts with Iranian officials.

However, the continuation of strikes on non-energy targets highlights a strategy combining limited diplomatic signaling with sustained military pressure, rather than a broader de-escalation.

U.S. officials say operations against Iran’s military infrastructure remain central to the objectives of the campaign launched in late February, aimed at neutralizing missile capabilities and defense industries.

Conflicting Narratives Over Talks

The diplomatic track remains deeply contested.

Trump has repeatedly asserted that preliminary discussions with Iran are underway and described them as “positive,” suggesting there is a “very good chance” of reaching an agreement, particularly on preventing Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

But Iranian officials have firmly rejected these claims.

Tehran’s foreign ministry said it has received messages from intermediary countries regarding possible talks but denied that any direct negotiations with Washington have taken place since the start of the war.

Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf dismissed reports of talks as “fake news” aimed at influencing financial and oil markets.

Israel Skeptical of Diplomatic Breakthrough

Israeli officials have expressed doubt over the prospects of a near-term agreement.

According to senior Israeli sources cited by Reuters, Trump appears determined to secure a deal, but there is skepticism that Iran will accept U.S. demands to end the conflict.

The report also noted that Israel was not involved in the reported contacts between Washington and Tehran, highlighting potential divergences between allies over the diplomatic approach.

War Enters Critical Phase

The developments come as the war enters its fourth week, with both military operations and diplomatic maneuvering intensifying.

While Washington signals openness to a negotiated outcome, the continuation of strikes and Tehran’s rejection of talks suggest that no immediate resolution is in sight.

The limited pause on energy targets illustrates a dual-track U.S. strategy, maintaining military pressure while testing the possibility of diplomacy.

But with negotiations unconfirmed, positions far apart, and operations ongoing, the conflict remains firmly in an active phase, where both escalation and potential negotiation continue to unfold in parallel.