Trump Pauses Strikes After Claiming “Productive” Talks with Iran

U.S. President Donald Trump said Monday morning that Washington has held “very good and productive” talks with Iran over the past two days and ordered a five-day postponement of planned strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure.

The announcement marked a sudden shift from imminent escalation, just hours before a U.S. deadline tied to Iran’s control of the Strait of Hormuz, while leaving unclear whether any actual diplomatic channel exists between the sides.

Trump wrote that the conversations were aimed at a “complete and total resolution of our hostilities in the Middle East,” adding that he had instructed the U.S. military to delay strikes on Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure “for a five day period,” contingent on continued progress in the discussions.

The decision followed a rapid escalation cycle. On Saturday, Trump issued a 48-hour ultimatum warning Iran to allow safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz or face attacks on its energy sector. Iranian officials responded Sunday with threats tied to Gulf shipping and regional energy infrastructure, raising fears of a broader confrontation.

Despite Trump’s claim of ongoing talks, Iranian officials and state-linked media denied that any negotiations were taking place. Iranian messaging described the U.S. move as a “retreat” rather than a diplomatic breakthrough, with officials asserting there were no direct or indirect contacts and that Trump “backed down” after Iranian threats. Iran’s Foreign Ministry also accused Washington of “buying time” under the cover of de-escalation.

In additional statements circulated by Iranian outlets, the Iranian Embassy in Kabul said Trump had stepped back from attacking energy infrastructure following Iran’s warning. Ebrahim Rezaei, spokesperson for Iran’s National Security and Foreign Policy Commission, said, “The battle continues… and another defeat for the devil. Trump and the United States have once again been defeated.”

Earlier in the day, Iran’s Defense Council warned that if its coasts or islands were threatened, Tehran could deploy naval mines across key waterways in the Persian Gulf, potentially blocking the entire region beyond just the Strait of Hormuz. Officials said clearing such mines would be difficult, citing past experience.

Minutes before Trump’s announcement, Oman’s Foreign Minister, Badr Albusaidi, said the country is “working intensively to put in place safe passage arrangements for the Strait of Hormuz,” reflecting ongoing efforts to stabilize maritime traffic. Oman has previously served as a mediator between the United States and Iran.

Markets reacted immediately to Trump’s announcement. Oil prices fell by approximately 8% in early trading, while U.S. stock futures rose between 2% and 3%, signaling investor expectations of a possible de-escalation.

In Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office issued no immediate response to Trump’s statement. The Prime Minister’s Office also did not respond to media requests for comment following the announcement.

Trump said discussions with Iran are expected to continue throughout the week, but with Tehran publicly denying any talks, the direction of the situation remains uncertain.