Trump pauses strikes amid disputed talks
Iran denies contact as U.S. delays attacks on energy sites
U.S. President Donald Trump announced a five day postponement of planned U.S. military strikes on Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure, saying talks between U.S. and Iranian officials had been very good and productive. The pause, framed as a window for diplomacy, follows an earlier 48-hour ultimatum demanding that Iran reopen the Strait of Hormuz and a threat of targeted strikes. Trump tied the halt to continued progress in negotiations, while Iranian officials downplayed reports of direct talks and characterized the move as tactical.
Planned strikes had targeted major energy and power facilities—sites officials warned would cause serious civilian disruption and regional instability if hit. Humanitarian groups cautioned that damage to energy infrastructure could jeopardize electricity and water supplies for urban populations. The Pentagon said forces remain on high alert, with naval and air units positioned to respond if talks fail and operations in the Persian Gulf closely monitored to limit accidental escalation.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry has rejected U.S. President Donald Trump’s claim that Washington has been in contact with Tehran to discuss a complete and total resolution of the war, according to reports.
