US President Donald Trump announced Monday that he had ordered a halt to his threatened strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure, citing “very good and productive talks” with Tehran. He added that negotiations are expected to continue throughout the week.
“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,” Trump wrote in all capitals on his Truth Social platform early Monday.
“Based on the tenor and tone,” he continued, “witch (sic) 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.”
The postponement comes just hours before the expiration of a 48-hour ultimatum issued by Washington, demanding that Iran reopen the Strait of Hormuz. This ultimatum followed Trump’s warning on 21 March that the United States would “obliterate” Iranian power facilities if maritime access through the strategic waterway was not restored “fully open, without threat.”
Trump’s Move Follows Surge in Middle East Hostilities
The temporary diplomatic pause comes amid escalating conflict in the region. Hostilities, widely referred to as “Operation Epic Fury,” began on 28 February 2026, when a large-scale joint US-Israeli offensive targeted Iranian nuclear facilities, missile bases, and senior leadership.
Since then, the conflict has intensified, with Iran reportedly launching retaliatory missile strikes on US military installations in the Gulf and Israeli cities. Iran has also disrupted global shipping by effectively closing the Strait of Hormuz, driving oil prices above $126 per barrel and creating volatility in global markets.
Humanitarian concerns have grown alongside the military escalation, with more than 2,000 deaths reported across Iran, Lebanon, and Israel.
Despite the temporary halt in planned strikes, tensions remain high. Iran has warned that any further attacks on its territory could result in the mining of the Persian Gulf, while Israel continues military operations in Lebanon.
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