Donald Trump has announced a temporary pause on planned US military strikes targeting Iran’s power plants and energy infrastructure, opting instead for a five-day delay following what he described as “productive conversations” with Iranian officials.
The decision comes amid rising tensions between the United States and Iran, after Tehran warned it would shut down the critical Strait of Hormuz if its facilities were attacked.
Trump had earlier issued a 48-hour ultimatum threatening to strike Iranian energy sites, but later scaled back the stance, signaling a potential diplomatic opening.
“We’ve had very good and productive conversations,” Trump stated, explaining the decision to postpone military action.
The shift in tone had an immediate impact on global markets, with oil prices dropping by over 13 percent after previously surging past $100 per barrel due to fears of disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for global oil shipments.
Meanwhile, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) maintained a hardline position, warning that any attack on its energy infrastructure would trigger severe retaliation, including targeting regional assets linked to the US.
The standoff had already sparked international concern, prompting several countries to intensify diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation.
Trump also reiterated that US military objectives in the region include protecting key allies such as Israel, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Kuwait all of which have reportedly faced threats or attacks since tensions escalated.
Despite the temporary de-escalation, uncertainty remains as both sides continue to exchange warnings, leaving the situation highly volatile.
