Trump pauses strikes on Iran’s energy infrastructure for 5 days after ‘productive’ talks

2026-03-23 - 14:20

WASHINGTON — US President Donald Trump said Monday he has ordered a five-day postponement of planned strikes on Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure following “very good and productive” talks 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 said on Truth Social. He added that, based on the “tenor and tone” of the ongoing discussions, which are expected to continue throughout the week, he instructed the Department of Defense to pause all military strikes targeting Iran’s energy sector for five days. Trump said the temporary halt is contingent on the progress of the negotiations. The move comes amid continued escalation since US-Israeli strikes on Iran began on Feb. 28, with more than 1,340 people reportedly killed, including then-Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iran has retaliated with drone and missile attacks targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq and Gulf countries, causing casualties and disrupting infrastructure, global markets and aviation.