Washington, March 24: A series of backchannel talks helped shape President Donald Trump’s decision to pause planned strikes on Iran, according to US media reports.

The Wall Street Journal reported that officials from Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan were involved in closed-door discussions to find a way out of the conflict.

The White House, however, refrained from giving any details. “These are sensitive diplomatic discussions and the United States will not negotiate through the news media,” White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told media.

These efforts came as Trump’s 48-hour deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz was about to expire. The ultimatum had raised fears of strikes on Iranian power infrastructure.

According to the media report, Arab officials worked to find contacts within Iran’s leadership. They explored options for a temporary halt in fighting to allow further talks.

Egyptian intelligence officials opened a channel with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which plays a key role in Tehran’s decisions.

At the same time, Oman was also trying to ease tensions. Oman’s foreign minister said the country was “working intensively to put in place safe passage arrangements for the Strait of Hormuz.”

The New York Times reported that the United States and Iran were exchanging messages through intermediaries. But there was no sign of direct talks. Iranian officials denied that negotiations were underway.

The push for diplomacy reflects growing concern in the region. Gulf countries face the risk of wider attacks. They are pressing for de-escalation.

Still, major differences remain. The Wall Street Journal said mediators were sceptical about a quick deal. The two sides are far apart on key issues, including Iran’s nuclear programme and security guarantees.

There have also been early discussions about possible meetings in neutral countries such as Pakistan or Turkey. No meeting has been confirmed.

US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are leading the outreach, according to reports.

Tehran, March 23: Iran has begun charging certain vessels a transit fee of $2 million (approximately Rs 18.8 crore) to pass through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, in what officials describe as a new assertion of control amid its ongoing conflict with the United States and Israel.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated on X that the strait remains “open to everyone” — except for Iran’s adversaries — outlining Tehran’s latest stance on access to the crucial maritime route.

The policy has already been implemented, according to Iranian lawmaker Alaeddin Boroujerdi, who spoke to state broadcaster Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB), as cited by Iran International. Boroujerdi said the move represents a shift toward what he called a new “sovereign regime” governing the waterway.

“Collecting $2 million as transit fees from some vessels crossing the strait reflects Iran’s strength,” Boroujerdi said.

“Now, because war has costs, naturally we must do this and take transit fees from ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz,” he added, claiming the policy demonstrates the Islamic Republic’s “authority.”

Earlier, Iran’s Foreign Ministry said that the Strait of Hormuz is not blocked and navigation continues in the waterway, with necessary measures being taken due to wartime conditions.

In a statement elaborating on Iran’s positions amid ongoing US and Israeli attacks, the ministry said that Iran has always respected the freedom of navigation and maritime security and safety, adding that it has worked to uphold those principles over the years.

The ministry noted that following the US and Israeli military “aggression” against Iran, a dangerous situation has been imposed on the Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz, directly impacting regional shipping safety and security.

Claiming its legitimate right to self-defence against the “aggressors,” Iran has targeted US military bases and facilities in the region while adopting a series of measures to ensure that the “aggressors” and their supporters do not exploit the strait to advance their aggressive goals against the country, it said.

The announcement comes amid heightened tensions following a warning from former US President Donald Trump, who said the United States could strike Iran’s power infrastructure if the strait is not reopened within 48 hours.

Trump stated that if Iran failed to comply, the US would destroy its “various POWER PLANTS, STARTING WITH THE BIGGEST ONE FIRST!”

London, March 23: Thousands of protesters took to the streets in London, joining a growing wave of demonstrations across Europe against US and Israeli military strikes on Iran.

In the British capital, a sea of demonstrators marched from Russell Square to Whitehall on Saturday (local time), waving banners and chanting slogans condemning the attacks. Their voices echoed through central London as concerns over the escalating conflict spilt onto the streets.

At a rally later in the day, participants called for an immediate ceasefire and an end to foreign intervention in the Middle East. Mariam, a protester holding a sign reading “Stop the war on Iran,” criticised Washington’s characterisation of the operation as “Epic Fury,” calling it instead an “Epic Failure.”

“No foreign intervention. Hands off the Middle East and stop bombing. People have the right to live in peace. You cannot bomb people to democracy,” she said.

Another protester, Adrian, who had travelled from Birmingham, described the strikes on Iran as “completely outrageous” and “quite frankly exhausting.” He warned that the consequences, including rising oil prices and global insecurity, were already being felt.

The London demonstration formed part of a broader wave of protests across Europe on Saturday, reflecting mounting opposition to the ongoing offensive, reports Xinhua news agency.

In Spain, thousands gathered in Madrid, with authorities estimating around 4,000 participants. Marchers moved from Atocha to Puerta del Sol, carrying signs such as “No to war, no to NATO” and “Spain is not the US.” Leaders from the Podemos party, including Secretary General Ione Belarra and political secretary Irene Montero, joined the rally. Montero called on Spain to withdraw from NATO, highlighting wider criticism of Western military policy in the region.

Elsewhere, protests were reported in multiple European cities. In Lisbon, several hundred people gathered in the rain on March 14 near the US embassy in a demonstration organised by the Portuguese Council for Peace and Cooperation. Backed by more than 70 groups, participants denounced what they described as US and Israeli aggression, chanting “Yes to peace, no to war” and calling for disarmament.

In Bulgaria, hundreds marched in Sofia on March 2, holding signs such as “No war against Iran” and “US military aircraft are not welcome here.” Protesters called for an end to the strikes and demanded the withdrawal of US military aircraft from Bulgarian territory.

Similar demonstrations have also taken place in countries including France and Greece, as the conflict entered its third week.

Amid the public backlash, criticism has also emerged from European analysts. Rob de Wijk, a professor at Leiden University in the Netherlands, described the US actions as “outright blackmail” and warned they could pose risks to European security. He argued that Europe should reduce its reliance on the United States and strengthen its strategic autonomy.