Good News from the Middle East? Are there Really Signs the Iran War May be Winding Down Without Armageddon? By Richard Miller (London)

For weeks the headlines have been grim — missiles flying, strikes on energy sites, fears of wider war, and the usual doomsayers warning of nuclear escalation. Jimmy Dore and others love to paint it as Israel dragging the world to the brink. But as of March 23-25, 2026, fresh developments from the Trump administration suggest something more hopeful: the conflict between the US/Israel and Iran might actually be approaching a negotiated end, without the apocalypse many predicted.

President Trump dropped a significant update on Monday. He announced that the US is pausing planned strikes on Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure for five days. The reason? "Very good and productive conversations" with Iranian representatives about ending hostilities. Trump said Iran "called" to discuss a deal, claiming Tehran wants to make one "so badly." He added that there are already "major points of agreement," and that Israel would likely support a ceasefire if the US reaches a solid diplomatic arrangement.

That's a notable shift. Just days earlier, Trump had been talking tough about "winding down" military efforts while ruling out an immediate ceasefire. Now he's creating breathing room and publicly signalling that talks are underway. Markets noticed immediately — oil prices eased and stocks rallied on the de-escalation news.

On the ground, the fighting hasn't stopped cold. Iran launched missiles causing injuries and damage in central Israel (including the Bnei Brak area), and Israeli forces continued targeted operations. But the intensity appears contained. No reports of massive new escalations into Iranian cities or US troop surges. The focus has stayed on degrading military and nuclear-related capabilities rather than all-out destruction.

Importantly, Trump has repeatedly emphasised that the US does not want this to spiral. He pressed both sides to stop hitting energy facilities, warned against further attacks on Gulf infrastructure, and made clear he's looking for an off-ramp that meets core objectives: no Iranian nuclear breakout, reduced threat to Israel and shipping lanes, and a way to stabilise oil markets.

This isn't naive wishful thinking. The war has already dragged into its fourth week with real costs — casualties on multiple sides, disrupted shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, and economic pain from spiking energy prices. Neither side benefits from turning it into a forever conflict or crossing into nuclear territory. Iran's regime is under pressure, its proxies strained, and its economy battered. Israel has shown it can strike deep into Iran conventionally without needing the Samson Option. The US, under Trump, seems determined to avoid getting sucked into another endless Middle East quagmire.

Of course, caution is warranted. Iran has denied some of Trump's claims about the talks, calling them fake or contradictory. Hardliners on all sides could still sabotage progress. A single misfired missile or rogue strike could reignite things. And any final deal will need to address thorny issues like uranium enrichment, reparations demands, and long-term security guarantees.

But the direction of travel in these March 23-25 updates is encouraging. A five-day pause on major strikes, public talk of "major points of agreement," and Trump's insistence that Israel would back a US-brokered deal all point toward de-escalation rather than doomsday. This isn't the collapse of Iran or total victory for Israel — it's the messy, pragmatic business of winding down a limited war before it becomes unlimited.

For once, the clickbait nuclear panic looks premature. The adults in the room (or at least the deal-makers) appear to be trying to find an exit that leaves the region bloodied but not radioactive.

We should watch the next few days closely. If the pause holds and talks continue, we might actually see this chapter close without the end of the world. In the Middle East, that counts as progress. Fingers crossed, or much better, pray for it!

https://nypost.com/2026/03/23/us-news/trump-admin-live-updates-march-23-24-25/