Nebulous Negotiations

The U.S. and Iran are in conflict over whether they’re at the negotiating table. 

On Monday, President Trump announced that his administration held “very good” and “productive” talks with Iranian leaders and promised to back off his plan to “obliterate” Iran’s power plants for five days. Iran denied the claims and continued sending waves of missiles at Israel and surrounding Gulf States.

Yesterday, Iranian leaders took a more peaceful position, saying they had received negotiation “points from the U.S.” via mediators and maintaining that the Strait of Hormuz “is open to all.” The White House says peace talk plans remain “fluid.” 

Meanwhile, stocks and energy prices are still yo-yoing alongside war updates. Global markets rallied and crude oil prices had dropped Monday following Trump’s announcement but moved in unfavorable directions again yesterday after Iran’s strikes. 

Verse to consider whether you’re negotiating with an international adversary, a difficult coworker, or a cranky toddler… “Seek peace and pursue it. The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their cry for help.” 
Psalm 34:14–15 (CSB) (read full passage)