Nine To Noon USA correspondent David Smith
Mar 23, 2026
David Smith, Washington bureau chief for The Guardian, reports on American politics and major national events. He discusses Trump's sudden shift from a strike deadline to claiming talks with Iran. He covers petrol price spikes in southern states and airport chaos from staffing shortages. He also reflects on the response to the death of the former FBI director and its political fallout.
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Trump's Sudden Shift From Threat To Diplomacy
- Donald Trump claimed talks with Iran produced 'about 15 points of agreement' and postponed a deadline to attack Iranian power plants.
- Iran denied direct talks and blamed Trump for trying to calm energy markets, leaving the truth unclear while conflict continued.
Markets React Faster Than Public Trust
- Energy market reactions showed the immediate political effect of Trump's comments, calming oil prices and lifting US stocks.
- Critics warned credibility problems arise when public trusts Iran's denials over the US president's statements.
Fuel Price Spike Threatens GOP's Political Standing
- A roughly 30% spike in petrol prices hit southern and southwestern US states as Middle East tensions rose.
- Higher fuel costs amplify domestic affordability problems and could hurt Republican prospects in the November elections.