Trump shocks, and dismays, with news of Iran talks

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. US bureau chief Jacob Magid joins host Jessica Steinberg for today's episode. Following the bombshell announcement from US President Donald Trump that the US is engaged in talks with Iran on terms for ending the war, Magid discusses the potential for a deal and Trump's five-day postponement of threatened US strikes on Iranian energy sites. Magid reports on the various mediators, including Pakistan, Turkey, Egypt... and Vice President JC Vance, seen as a key US administration figure who wants this war to come to a swift end. The Gulf states, by contrast, are not necessarily interested in a rapid conclusion that leaves the regime in power, notes Magid, as diplomats from several Gulf countries have indicated that they seek generational damage as opposed to de-escalation. The IDF's former top Iran researcher, Danny Citrinowicz, told Magid last week that Iran isn't about to give up its ostensible right to enrich uranium, and that diplomacy would be needed in addition to the military campaign. Is he being vindicated? Finally, Magid discusses the wait for a Hamas response to a new disarmament proposal for Gaza. Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: Trump: Deal with Iran to end war close; Israel will be happy; strikes on energy sites postponed Netanyahu: Potential Iran deal touted by Trump would protect Israel’s ‘vital interests’ Gulf states opposed war with Iran. Most are now pushing to keep the fight going War aimed at preventing Iranian nukes may actually lead to them, ex-IDF expert warns Hamas given proposal for gradual weapon handover in months-long process — officials Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Ari Schlacht. IMAGE: US President Donald Trump speaks before signing an executive order on fraud in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, DC, on March 16, 2026 as Vice President JD Vance (C) and Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Chairman Andrew Ferguson (R) look on. (Annabelle Gordon/AFP)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.