Trump Says U.S. Delays Planned Strikes on Iran After Talks on Ending Hostilities

Erbil, March 23, 2026 | By Pshtiwan Faraj

WASHINGTON/TEHRAN — U.S. President Donald Trump said he has ordered the military to postpone planned strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure following two days of what he described as “very good and productive conversations” with Tehran.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the suspension would last for five days and remain contingent on the outcome of ongoing discussions between the two sides.

Washington and Tehran have been engaged in talks, according to Trump, focused on what he described as a “complete and total resolution of our hostilities in the Middle East.”

Shift After Ultimatum

The announcement comes just days after Trump issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Iran, warning that the United States would “obliterate” Iranian power plants if Tehran did not lift what he called an effective blockade on the Strait of Hormuz.

That deadline was set to expire later on Monday, raising expectations of imminent military action before the unexpected pause.

The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical global energy chokepoint, with a significant share of the world’s oil shipments passing through the narrow waterway.

Uncertainty Over Scope of Talks

Trump did not provide details on the substance of the negotiations or confirm whether Iran had agreed to any specific conditions. There has been no immediate public confirmation from Tehran regarding the talks described by the U.S. president.

The timing and scope of the discussions remain unclear, though Trump suggested they marked a shift toward a broader effort to end hostilities in the region.

Analysts Question Claims

Some analysts have questioned the extent and timing of the reported progress.

Defence analyst Professor Michael Clarke said Trump’s decision appeared to give Washington additional time while keeping military options on the table.

“He’s given himself more time, and he’s saying that we’ll hold off on the action, even though the action is still on the table in five days’ time,” Clarke said.

Clarke also noted that Trump’s references to ongoing discussions were not previously disclosed.

“Suddenly they’ve been having deeper, meaningful discussions,” he said, adding that Trump “may be exaggerating” the extent of diplomatic progress, though he acknowledged the risks of escalation.

Markets React to De-escalation Signal

Financial markets responded sharply to the announcement, with oil prices falling significantly as investors priced in a reduced risk of immediate military action.

Analysts described the reaction as a rapid reversal from earlier fears of supply disruption, though uncertainty remains high.

Economics observers warned that volatility is likely to continue, particularly given unresolved questions surrounding maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz.

Strategic Energy Risks Remain

The Strait of Hormuz remains central to global energy flows, and any disruption could have wide-ranging effects on oil supply, shipping insurance, and global inflation.

Experts caution that the situation is still fluid, with key questions unanswered regarding whether commercial shipping routes can be safely maintained and whether diplomatic efforts will hold.

Outlook

While Trump’s announcement signals a temporary pause in potential military action, the underlying tensions between Washington and Tehran remain unresolved.

The next several days are expected to be critical in determining whether ongoing talks can produce a de-escalation agreement or whether the situation returns to a path of confrontation.

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