Negotiations

• President Trump announced a 10-day pause in strikes on Iran's energy infrastructure through April 6, 2026, at 8:00 p.m. Eastern time, citing ongoing negotiations mediated by Pakistan under a 15-point framework. • Trump disclosed that Iran sent ten oil tankers as a goodwill gesture, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio characterized Iran's clerical leadership as "religious fanatics" posing a global nuclear threat. • Israel confirmed the killing of Iran's navy head responsible for Strait of Hormuz disruptions, while Iran launched emergency recruitment and lowered its draft age to 12, according to CBN News reporting.

• President Trump extended the strike deadline on Iran's energy sector while warning that failure to accept current negotiation terms would result in "far greater military consequences," according to White House statements. • The White House confirmed ongoing negotiations with Iranian leadership despite military operations continuing at historic levels, with Iranian leadership described by Trump as "desperate to negotiate."

• President Trump stated at a Thursday cabinet meeting that Iran is "begging to make a deal" to end the war, claiming Iran has offered him "eight big boats of oil" as a goodwill gesture—later revising the number to 10. • Trump insisted he is not the one pushing for negotiations despite Iran's repeated official denials of direct talks with the United States as the conflict enters its fourth week. • U.S. Special Envoy Steve Woodcock indicated strong signs Iran could be convinced to reach a peace deal, while Trump also criticized NATO allies for failing to send naval assets to secure the Strait of Hormuz.

• The Department of Homeland Security shutdown risks becoming the longest-ever funding lapse for any federal agency as Congress remains deadlocked, with Democrats pushing to fund all DHS agencies except Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Customs and Border Protection, and the secretary's office. • Republicans argue the entire department must be funded together and note that ICE and CBP already received approximately $140 billion from tax and spending legislation enacted last summer. • Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer called for immediate TSA funding while negotiations continue on outstanding immigration enforcement issues, but Republicans continue blocking Democratic proposals, holding federal workers hostage according to Democratic critics.

• White House border czar Tom Homan met with bipartisan senators on Friday evening, March 20, proposing additional immigration enforcement concessions to resolve the ongoing Homeland Security shutdown now entering its fifth week. • Republicans offered fresh draft legislation addressing Democratic concerns, though judicial warrant requirements for immigration raids and identification masking policies remain contentious points between parties. • Senate Appropriations Chair Susan Collins called the latest GOP offer 'very fair and reasonable,' while Democratic aides indicated 'a ways to go' in securing reforms necessary for Democratic caucus support.

• Tricky negotiations to renew the USMCA trade pact begin Monday, March 16, 2026, involving U.S., Mexico, and Canada amid 50% steel tariffs and 17% on Mexican tomatoes. • Trump shows waning enthusiasm, calling the effort 'irrelevant,' while Mexico's Marcelo Ebrard seeks stronger dispute resolution. • Pact faces expiration risks by 2036 unless improved; could reshape North American economic bloc versus China.