West Asia war: Trump ‘playing his usual games’, no real breakthrough with Iran, says Kanwal Sibal

Former Foreign Secretary Kanwal Sibal has cast doubt on US President Donald Trump’s claim of “productive” talks with Iran, calling it tactical posturing rather than a genuine breakthrough. “I would take all this with a pinch of salt… it is just Trump playing his usual games,” Sibal told CNBC-TV18, questioning the absence of any credible mediation channel.

His remarks come after Trump announced a five-day pause on strikes targeting Iranian energy infrastructure, citing “constructive” engagement. However, market participants appear cautiously relieved. Stephen Innes, Managing Partner at SPI Asset Management said oil’s pullback reflects easing fears of a worst-case supply shock, but warned that “we’re not out of the weeds just yet” without concrete concessions from Iran.

Energy consultant Ali Al-Riyami said markets are reacting positively, though a durable solution requires unconditional negotiations. Meanwhile, Iman Nasseri of FGE Nexanteca, described the move as a “TACO” moment, noting Brent’s sharp retreat from $110 levels as immediate strike risks receded.

Still, Neil Atkinson, Independent Energy Analyst and Visiting Fellow at National Centre for Energy Analytics, urged restraint, saying while talks are “good news”, it is too early to assume a lasting de-escalation or normalisation in the Strait of Hormuz.