Middle East crisis live: Iran dismisses Trump claim of talks; von der Leyen says global energy situation is ‘critical’

Iranian parliament speaker says ‘no negotiations’ held with US, as Trump postpones energy strikes for five days; European Commission chief says war must come to negotiated endTrump claims ‘productive’ talks with Iran but Tehran denies contactIsrael launches new strikes on Tehran as Trump pauses Iran energy attacksRecapping financial markets’ response after Donald Trump postponed the bombing of Iranian power plants: oil prices bounced back and Asian stocks rallied as immediate fears of a deeper energy shock were allayed.Traders were quick to react to the reversal on Monday, sending crude futures tumbling and shares surging, while the US dollar and government bond yields fell, Reuters reports.Price action could remain choppy into Friday’s revised deadline ... The key question is whether participants see this as a genuine extension that brings a deal closer, or simply a delay that prolongs uncertainty. Continue reading...