US President Donald Trump has announced a temporary halt to planned military strikes targeting Iran’s power plants and energy infrastructure, granting a five-day pause amid escalating tensions between both countries.
The decision follows a sharp warning from Iran, which threatened to shut down the strategic Strait of Hormuz if the United States proceeded with its earlier plan to bomb critical facilities in Tehran.
Trump had initially issued a 48-hour ultimatum over the weekend, vowing to carry out strikes if Iran failed to guarantee safe passage for vessels through the vital waterway.
However, in a post on Truth Social, the US leader signalled a shift in tone, citing “very good and productive conversations” between both sides.
The de-escalation had an immediate impact on global markets, with oil prices dropping by more than 13 percent after the announcement.
Prices had surged above $100 per barrel in the previous week amid fears of supply disruptions caused by attacks on vessels navigating the Strait of Hormuz.
The crisis intensified after Iran allegedly targeted shipping routes, prompting Washington to threaten sweeping attacks on Iranian energy infrastructure, including major power plants.
READ ALSO: Iran Threatens Regional Strikes As Trump Issues Hormuz Ultimatum
While Tehran has not officially confirmed any direct talks with the US, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) issued a stern warning, stating that any strike on Iranian facilities would trigger severe retaliation.
The group added that energy assets in countries hosting US military bases could become “legitimate targets.”
The standoff has drawn international concern, with multiple nations reportedly ramping up diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation in the region.
According to Trump, one of Washington’s key objectives in the crisis is to safeguard its Middle East allies, including Israel, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Kuwait, several of which have reportedly faced attacks since the conflict began nearly a month ago.
The situation remains fluid, with observers closely watching whether the temporary pause will lead to a broader diplomatic breakthrough or a renewed escalation.