The United States will delay military strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure for five days, President Donald Trump announced Monday, following what he described as “very good and productive conversations” with Tehran.
“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,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. He added that the talks would continue throughout the week, instructing that any strikes be postponed “subject to the success of the ongoing meetings and discussions.”
The announcement comes nearly a month after the launch of Operation Epic Fury on February 28, a U.S.-led military campaign targeting Iranian infrastructure. Trump had previously indicated that the operation could last up to four weeks.
In a statement, the president also outlined that any negotiated settlement would require Tehran to hand over its stock of enriched uranium, a key component of its nuclear program.
The move sparked immediate reactions in Iran. Iranian state television described the development as “US president backs down following Iran’s firm warning,” highlighting the heightened tensions between the two nations.
Markets responded quickly to the news. Global benchmark Brent crude fell more than 7 percent to $99 per barrel, after reaching a high of $114 per barrel. U.S. crude futures dropped nearly 10 percent to $10 per barrel, reflecting eased fears of a full-scale conflict in the Persian Gulf.
The announcement follows a weekend ultimatum from Trump, who demanded Iran reopen the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours. “The United States of America will hit and obliterate their various POWER PLANTS, STARTING WITH THE BIGGEST ONE FIRST!” he had warned. The strait, a critical chokepoint through which nearly a fifth of the world’s oil passes, had been effectively closed since the outbreak of hostilities.
Iran’s Defense Council clarified that non-belligerent nations could pass through the strait under coordination, but any attacks on Iranian coasts or islands would trigger mines throughout the Gulf, potentially halting future traffic. U.S. Central Command Commander Admiral Brad Cooper confirmed the strait is “physically open,” though shipping remains wary of missiles and drones fired from Iran.
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