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Trump postpones strikes on Iran's power plants; US, Iran discuss 'resolution of hostilities'
The five day pause followed a threat by Iran to attack Israel's and regional energy plants and those supplying US bases if Washington targets Iran's power network
- PUBLISHED: Mon 23 Mar 2026, 3:18 PM UPDATED: Mon 23 Mar 2026, 4:30 PM
[Editor's Note: Follow Khaleej Times live blog amid US-Israel-Iran war for the latest regional developments.]
President Donald Trump said on Monday that the US has held “good and productive” talks with Iran and that he will direct the military to postpone any planned strikes on Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure for five days.
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Trump issued a statement in a social media post and said discussion with Tehran will continue throughout the week. The United States and 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 wrote in a post on Truth Social.
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His announcement came a day after Iran issued a counter threat to attack Israel's power plants and those supplying US bases across the Gulf region if the Trump administration targets Iran's power network.
Here's Trump's full statement on Truth Social: "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. Based on the tenor and tone of these in-depth, detailed, and constructive conversations, which will continue throughout the week, 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, subject to the success of the ongoing meetings and discussions."
On Saturday, Trump had threatened to obliterate Iranian power plants if Tehran failed to "fully open" the Strait of Hormuz to all shipping within 48 hours. The Iranians responded with similar threat of striking Israeli and regional power plants and desalination plants.
Iran's representative to the UN maritime agency also said that the Strait of Hormuz remains open to all shipping except vessels linked to "Iran's enemies".
Ali Mousavi said Tehran was ready to cooperate with the International Maritime Organisation to improve maritime safety and protect seafarers in the Gulf, adding that ships not linked to "Iran's enemies" could pass the strait by coordinating security and safety arrangements with Tehran.
The threat of Iranian attacks has kept most ships from getting through the narrow strait, the conduit for around a fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas supplies, threatening a global energy shock.
Energy prices spiked last week after Iran responded to an Israeli attack on its major gas field by hitting Qatar's Ras Laffan Industrial City, which processes around a fifth of the world's liquefied natural gas, causing damage that will take years to repair.
Ajanta Paul is a Senior Editor on the Digital team. A natural leader and newshound, she thrives in breaking news and high-pressure situations — and enjoys reporting on community issues that matter to UAE residents.