The World in Brief from The Economist

Iran appeared to pour scorn on America’s reported 15-point ceasefire proposal; The White House claimed that Iran’s regime was looking for “an exit ramp”, although threatened to “unleash hell” on the country if no deal was reached.

The proposal is believed to cover plans for Iran’s nuclear programme and maritime routes. Also, it was widely reported that America was preparing to send around 2,000 combat troops to the Middle East.

The Pentagon is reportedly preparing to deploy more 1,000 combat troops to the Middle East, though America has apparently not made the decision to put boots on the ground in Iran.

The Pentagon is reportedly preparing to deploy about 3,000 combat troops to the Middle East, though America has apparently not made the decision to put boots on the ground in Iran; Iran said it would let “non-hostile vessels” pass through the Strait of Hormuz “in co-ordination” with Iranian authorities, according to reports of a letter sent to the International Maritime Organization.

Despite the chatter of negotiations between Iran and America, the war continued in the Middle East. Also, after Iran’s denial, oil prices duly began to rise again.

Donald Trump postponed attacks against Iran’s power plants following what he called “productive conversations” with the regime.

Donald Trump postponed attacks against Iran’s power plants following what he called “productive conversations” with the regime; Binyamin Netanyahu, Israel’s prime minister, said Mr Trump had updated him about the possibility of a deal with Iran “that protects our vital interests” but added that Israel will continue to strike Iran and Lebanon.

Iran threatened to completely close the Strait of Hormuz and mine “all communication lines in the Persian Gulf” if Donald Trump carried through on a threat to “obliterate” the country’s power plants. Also, stocks tumbled across Asia and Europe, especially in markets exposed to rising energy.