KEY POINTS
- Trump postponed planned US strikes on Iranian power plants for five days, citing “productive” talks and hopes for a deal.
- Iran denied any negotiations, accusing Washington of manipulating oil and financial markets.
- The dispute centers on reopening the Strait of Hormuz, as escalating tensions continue to push global oil prices higher.
US President Donald Trump has postponed planned military strikes on Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure for five days, saying Washington and Tehran have held “very good and productive conversations” aimed at resolving hostilities in the Middle East.
Trump announced the delay in a post on his Truth Social platform, stating that he had instructed the US military to suspend any attacks while diplomatic discussions continue. He said both countries are seeking a deal and claimed there are “major points of agreement” emerging from recent contacts.
Speaking to reporters in Florida, Trump said Iran wants to reach an agreement and that US envoys have been holding discussions with a “respected” Iranian leader, though not with Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei. He also insisted that Tehran must surrender its enriched uranium stockpile as part of any deal.
The US president added that the Strait of Hormuz could be reopened soon if negotiations succeed. He previously gave Iran a 48-hour ultimatum to allow free passage through the key shipping route, warning that the United States would otherwise “obliterate” Iranian power plants.
Trump also said his envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, were engaged in talks as recently as Sunday night and claimed Iran initiated the contact. However, Iranian officials rejected those assertions.
Iranian Parliament Speaker Says No Negotiations Occurred in Washington
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said no negotiations had taken place with Washington, accusing Trump of attempting to manipulate oil and financial markets.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei similarly denied talks, stating Tehran’s position on the Strait of Hormuz and conditions for ending the war remain unchanged.
Despite the denials, analysts suggested Trump’s announcement could signal a possible off-ramp from the escalating conflict. Observers noted the five-day deadline may provide room for diplomacy, although past timelines set by Trump have shifted.
The US-Israel war on Iran has intensified tensions across the Middle East, with Iranian missile and drone attacks reported across the region. The crisis has also driven global oil prices higher, particularly after Iran tightened control of the Strait of Hormuz, through which about one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas supplies pass.
Iran has warned it would fully shut down the strait and target energy infrastructure in Israel and Gulf countries if the US attacks its power plants. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps also threatened to strike power facilities linked to US bases and economic interests.
