• Source:JND

United States President Donald Trump on Monday announced a five-day halt in attacks on the Iranian energy sites, saying that Washington has been engaged with Tehran for over two days and held 'productive' talks.

Taking to social media platform Truth Social, he said, "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."

The remarks came as a major relief, indicating de-escalation as he had earlier threatened to obliterate Iranian energy sites and power plants if the Strait of Hormuz was not opened in 48-hours, a deadline, which was set to end within hours from the announcement of a 5-day pause.

Iranian media refuses talks

However, questions are being raised on Trump's announcement as Iranian state media has refuted any talks between the two countries, "not even through any intermediation."

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Iranian Fars news agency, cited source, saying that Trump backed down after Tehran strictly warned him of the repercussions of attacks on energy sites.

Has Trump taken a tactical retreat?

Tehran's narrative sharply contradicts Trump's claim. While the contradiction highlights uncertainty behind the sudden de-escalation, it also raises questions if Trump has taken a tactical retreat.

Tehran Times, another Iranian media house, also reported that there were no talks between the two countries, adding that Trump backed down due to rising financial pressures in the US and the West.

In the past two days, both sides have traded stern warnings, but the Iranian side's posturing remained firm and undeterred.

Iran remained firm

In response to Trump's threats, Iran vowed escalation. On the Iranian side, the country's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), the parliament speaker and representative to the UN maritime body IMO, issued firm warnings to the United States.

In a statement, the IRGC had said that in case of an attack on Iranian power plants, it will completely shut down the Hormuz, target companies with US shares.

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The IRGC also added that in the event of the said US attack, energy facilities in countries that host US bases will be 'lawful' targets.

Besides, Iran's Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf warned that US attacks would prompt irreversible damage to critical infrastructure, energy infrastructure, and oil facilities throughout the region.

Did talk happen?

According to a report by Reuters, citing a reporter for the US news outlet Axios, Turkey, Egypt and Pakistan had met White House envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi separately in bid to diffuse tensions. The reporter, named Barak Ravid, cited an unnamed US source, saying the discussion with leaders of both the countries was about ending the war and resolving all outstanding issues.

According to Mehr news agency, Iranian Foreign Ministry confirmed there were "initiatives" to reduce tensions.


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