Trump Postpones U.S. Strikes on Iranian Power Plants for Five Days Amid Claims of ‘Productive’ Talks with Tehran
U.S. President Donald Trump has ordered the military to postpone planned strikes on Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure for five days, citing “very good and productive conversations” with Tehran over the past two days aimed at resolving hostilities in the Middle East.
In an all-caps post on his Truth Social platform on Monday, Trump wrote:
“I am pleased to report that the United States of America, and the country of 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.
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 and discussions.”
Speaking to reporters at a Florida airport, Trump claimed Iran “wants to make a deal” and that U.S. envoys (including Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner) held talks with a “respected” Iranian leader — though not Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei — most recently on Sunday night. He insisted Iran must surrender its enriched uranium stockpile for any agreement and predicted the Strait of Hormuz would reopen “very soon” if a deal materializes.
Trump asserted that Iran initiated the outreach, adding: “If a deal happens, it’s a great start for Iran and the region,” while noting he could not guarantee success.
Context of the Ultimatum
The announcement follows Trump’s Saturday ultimatum: Iran had 48 hours to fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz to all vessels — through which about one-fifth of global oil and LNG passes — or face the “obliteration” of its power plants. The threat came amid Iran’s de facto blockade, which has triggered a severe global energy crisis, soaring oil prices, and shortages (including cooking gas in Asia).
The International Energy Agency’s Fatih Birol described the situation as “very severe,” worse than the 1970s oil crises combined with the Ukraine war fallout.
Market Reaction and Regional Relief
Financial markets responded positively: Wall Street stocks rose sharply on Monday, and oil prices tumbled from recent highs. The delay is seen as a potential off-ramp in the three-week-old U.S.-Israel war on Iran, which began in late February with joint strikes and has escalated dramatically.
Al Jazeera’s Osama Bin Javaid called it “the breaking news that everybody in the region and beyond has been waiting for,” suggesting Trump — who launched the conflict unilaterally — could end it unilaterally. Analyst Mohamad Elmasry viewed it as Trump seeking a “dignified exit,” while Iran’s de facto blockade has drawn regional initiatives for de-escalation.
Iran’s Response
Iran’s Foreign Ministry, via Mehr news agency, dismissed Trump’s claims of talks as aimed at lowering energy prices and buying time for military plans. Tehran denied any direct dialogue with Washington, insisting the initiative comes from regional countries urging de-escalation.
Iran warned that any U.S. strikes on power plants would prompt a full closure of the Strait of Hormuz, attacks on Israeli and Gulf energy facilities, targeting of U.S. bases’ power supplies, and mining of Gulf routes.
Reporting from Tehran, Al Jazeera’s Mohamed Vall said Iran is unlikely to refuse the offer, as it does not want to prolong a war it claims was imposed. He noted Tehran would seek guarantees against future aggression and a lasting deal.
Broader Implications
The postponement provides breathing room amid escalating tit-for-tat threats, but analysts note Trump’s deadlines have historically been flexible. Israel continues strikes on Tehran, and questions remain about whether Israel would sustain operations without full U.S. backing.
The region — and global energy markets — now await developments over the next five days.
Sources: Al Jazeera, Reuters, CNBC, BBC, The Guardian, NPR, and official statements (March 23, 2026)
