Donald Trump has postponed planned US military strikes on Iran for five days, citing progress in discussions between the two countries. However, Iranian officials deny that any negotiations have taken place and maintain their position on key issues. The situation remains uncertain as global markets react and tensions continue across the Middle East.
US President Donald Trump has announced a five-day postponement of planned military strikes against Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure, citing what he described as progress in discussions between Washington and Tehran. The decision comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East and conflicting statements from both sides regarding the existence of any negotiations.
In a statement posted on his Truth Social platform on Monday, Trump said the United States and Iran had engaged in “very good and productive conversations” over the past two days. He indicated that the discussions were aimed at achieving a “complete and total resolution” of hostilities in the region. As a result, he said he had instructed the Department of War to pause any military action for a five-day period.
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Trump said the postponement was conditional on the success of ongoing discussions. “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,” he stated. The move signals a temporary shift from immediate military action to diplomatic engagement.
Speaking to reporters at a Florida airport, Trump said Iran had expressed willingness to reach an agreement. He noted that US envoys had been in contact with a “respected” Iranian leader, although he clarified that the talks did not involve Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei. Trump also stated that a key condition for any agreement would be Iran giving up its enriched uranium stockpile.
The US president further said that the Strait of Hormuz, a key global shipping route, would be reopened soon if a deal is reached. The waterway is a major channel for global energy supplies, and its status has been central to recent tensions. Trump described a potential agreement as a positive step for both Iran and the wider region but acknowledged that there was no guarantee a deal would be finalized.
Trump also claimed that Iran initiated contact for the talks. In an earlier interview with the Fox Business Network, he said Tehran was eager to make a deal and suggested that an agreement could be reached within five days. He added that US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner had been involved in discussions, including talks held on Sunday night.
The developments come against the backdrop of an escalating conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. The situation has contributed to instability across the Middle East, with Iranian missile and drone attacks reported in several parts of the region. The conflict has also had economic effects, particularly on global energy markets.
Oil prices, which had risen sharply following the start of the conflict on February 28, showed signs of decline on Monday after Trump’s announcement. According to reports from international financial news outlets, including Reuters and Al Jazeera, markets responded positively to the possibility of reduced tensions. Wall Street stocks also recorded gains in early trading.
Prior to the postponement, Trump had issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Iran, demanding that it reopen the Strait of Hormuz to all vessels. He warned that failure to comply would result in the destruction of Iranian power plants. The ultimatum was aimed at ending restrictions on the strategic waterway, through which a significant portion of global oil and liquefied natural gas supplies pass.
However, Iranian officials have strongly denied that any negotiations with the United States have taken place. Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said no talks had been held and accused Trump of attempting to influence financial and oil markets. He stated that the US was trying to “escape the quagmire” created by ongoing conflict.
Similarly, Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei rejected claims of discussions with Washington. In remarks carried by the Islamic Republic News Agency, he said Iran’s position on the Strait of Hormuz and conditions for ending the conflict remained unchanged. He added that messages had been received from other countries regarding US interest in negotiations.
The contrasting statements from Washington and Tehran highlight the uncertainty surrounding the situation. While the US administration presents the postponement as part of a diplomatic effort, Iranian authorities maintain that no direct talks have occurred. The outcome of the five-day pause may determine whether tensions ease or escalate further.
