In a significant development, U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Monday that he had ordered a temporary halt to planned strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure following “very good and productive talks” with Tehran.
Negotiations between the two nations are set to continue throughout the week.
The postponement comes just hours before the expiration of a 48-hour ultimatum issued by Washington, demanding that Iran reopen the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
Trump, writing in all capitals on his Truth Social platform, said the United States and Iran “have had, over the last two days, very good and productive conversations regarding a complete and total resolution of our hostilities in the Middle East.”
“Based on the tenor and tone of the talks, which will continue throughout the week, I have instructed the Department of War to postpone any and all military strikes against Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure for a five-day period, subject to the success of the ongoing meetings,” he added.
The ultimatum followed Trump’s warning on 21 March that the United States would “obliterate” Iranian power facilities if maritime access through the Strait of Hormuz was not fully restored and free from threat.
The diplomatic pause comes amid escalating conflict in the region. Hostilities, dubbed “Operation Epic Fury,” began on 28 February 2026, with a joint U.S.-Israeli offensive targeting Iranian nuclear facilities, missile bases, and key leadership.
Since then, Iran has launched retaliatory missile strikes on US military installations in the Gulf and Israeli cities, while also restricting maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz.
This disruption has sent oil prices soaring above $126 per barrel and stirred volatility in global markets.
Humanitarian concerns are growing, with more than 2,000 fatalities reported across Iran, Lebanon, and Israel since the outbreak of hostilities.
Despite the temporary pause in planned attacks, regional tensions remained elevated.
Iran has threatened to mine the Persian Gulf if further strikes occur on its territory, while Israel continues its military operations in Lebanon.
