Trump pauses strikes, signals possible deal with Iran

After weeks of escalation, the tone from Washington has shifted — at least for now. President Donald Trump says the United States is holding “very good and productive” talks with Iran and has ordered a temporary halt to planned strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure.

“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,” Trump wrote, announcing that military action would be delayed.

“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.”

The decision marks a clear pause in what had been a rapidly escalating confrontation centred on energy targets and control of the Strait of Hormuz. Just days earlier, Trump had threatened to “obliterate” Iran’s power plants unless Tehran reopened the waterway within 48 hours.

Now, the emphasis is on negotiation — though with conditions. Speaking to reporters, Trump said Iran wanted “to make a deal” and confirmed that US envoys had been in contact with a “respected” Iranian figure, though not Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei. He reiterated that any agreement would require Iran to give up its enriched uranium stockpile.

He also suggested that the Strait of Hormuz could reopen quickly if talks succeed. “If a deal happens, it’s a great start for Iran and the region,” he said, while acknowledging that no agreement is guaranteed.

The timeline is tight. Trump indicated a potential deal could emerge within five days, with envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner involved in discussions as recently as Sunday night.

The announcement has already had immediate effects beyond diplomacy. Markets responded quickly: oil prices, which had surged since the start of the war on February 28, dropped sharply, while US stocks rose in early trading.

For a region under sustained pressure from strikes and counter-strikes, the pause offers a potential off-ramp — but not a resolution. The structure of the situation remains unchanged: threats tied to energy infrastructure, uncertainty over Hormuz, and a conflict that has already reshaped global markets.