Donald Trump denies a cease-fire with Iran, despite asserting Iran is eager for a deal and negotiating with the US, while Tehran denies direct talks. Amidst ongoing strikes, focus on Iran talks, and discussions of US troop deployment to the Middle East, crude oil prices and tech stocks have risen, as Iran reviews a US ceasefire plan.

The US president has extended a deadline for Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz and paused energy strikes for 10 days, with Trump stating talks are 'going very well' as US Vice President J.D. Vance takes a forefront role in US efforts to broker Iran peace; analysis suggests Trump's 'mysterious peace negotiations' do not promise a quick end to the war, and experts explain his strategy of playing for time with new ultimatums and troop deployments.

Former President Trump has reiterated his rejection of a ceasefire with Iran, asserting that Iran desires a deal but fears its own people and the US. Meanwhile, oil prices continue to climb past $100, driven by lingering risks of a prolonged US-Iran war, impacting global powers as Trump and Xi pursue energy dominance, with Europe particularly vulnerable.

Iran has rejected US President Trump's warnings about the safety of its team at the World Cup, with the team labeling the US as unfit to host the tournament. This follows Iran's shock announcement of its refusal to participate in the 2026 World Cup, escalating the geopolitical dispute into the realm of global athletics.

G7 foreign ministers are meeting near Paris to discuss Iran war strategy, with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio seeking to convince allies. Meanwhile, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has angered European leaders by unconditionally supporting Donald Trump's war with Iran.