- By Priyanka Koul
- Mon, 23 Mar 2026 08:44 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Iran-US War: US President Donald Trump has hinted at a possible de-escalation in the Middle East conflict, now entering its fourth week, by announcing a five-day deferment of strikes on Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure.
"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," he said in a Truth Social post on Monday.
He further added, "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."
Is Middle East War Ending? What Is Happening?-
US President Donald Trump announced a five-day pause on strikes against Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure. He described the discussions with Tehran as “very good and productive,” signaling a possible de-escalation.
Iranian officials, however, have denied that any direct or indirect talks are taking place, creating mixed signals. The pause raises questions about whether the conflict is easing or if this is a temporary strategic move. Here are some key developments so far.
- United States is reportedly holding negotiations with Iran’s Parliament Speaker, Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, according to an Israeli official.
- This announcement follows Trump’s earlier tough stance, in which he issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Iran to reopen the strategically critical Strait of Hormuz, warning of severe consequences if the demand was not met. Trump stated that if Iran does not "fully open" the Strait within 48 hours, the United States would target and "obliterate" Iranian power plants.
- However, Iranian media quickly denied any direct or intermediary communications, creating confusion. "Trump, fearing Iran's response, backed down from his 48-hour ultimatum," Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting stated in a post on X.
- Ebrahim Rezaei, spokesperson for the National Security and Foreign Policy Commission, echoed this, saying, "Trump and America have backed down again. The field is still charging forward. Another defeat for the devil," also on X.
- Fars News Agency reported that Iranian officials rejected US claims of indirect talks between Tehran and Washington, noting that Trump stepped back after realising that Iran could target all power plants in West Asia. "There's no direct or indirect contact with the US," the official said, emphasising that Trump retreated from his threats following Tehran's firm warning of retaliation. The agency added that Iran will "continue to defend itself".
- In response, Trump addressed Iranian state media reports on Monday (local time), expressing uncertainty about their claims and reaffirming that the Islamic Republic "wants to make a deal badly".
- Speaking with Fox Business's Maria Bartiromo shortly after announcing "constructive" discussions with Tehran, Trump clarified the status of the talks amid conflicting reports from Iranian media.
- "When I asked about the Iranian TV saying that no talks have happened, he said it's hard to get any information there because the US is blowing up so much of their infrastructure. So again, he wasn't sure what Iran State TV was talking about, because the most recent talks, he said, happened last night with Steve Wycoff and Jared Kushner," Bartiromo added.
- Trump’s statement came after Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs dismissed his claims, asserting that the announcements were a strategic attempt to buy time for potential US military operations and influence energy markets amid rising prices caused by the conflict. "The US President's statements are within the framework of efforts to reduce energy prices and gain time to implement his military plans," the ministry said, according to Mehr News Agency.
- Earlier Monday, Trump announced that he had instructed the US Department of War to delay any strikes on Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure for five days, citing ongoing diplomatic engagements with Tehran amid escalating tensions in West Asia.
- In a Truth Social post, Trump emphasised that the United States and Iran had held "very good and productive conversations" over the past two days aimed at resolving hostilities. He explained that the decision to pause strikes was based on the "tenor and tone" of the discussions, which he described as "in-depth, detailed, and constructive," adding that conversations would continue through the week.
- The announcement came as the war between Israel, the US, and Iran had entered its fourth week. The escalating conflict began on February 28 with the killing of 86-year-old Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in joint military strikes by the US and Israel, after which Iran, in retaliation, targeted Israel and US assets in several Gulf countries, causing disruption in the waterways and affecting international energy markets and global economic stability. Due to the conflict in the region, Iran has virtually closed the Strait of Hormuz.