The United States will hold off on striking Iranian energy infrastructure for five days, following constructive conversations with Tehran, President Donald Trump announced Monday.
“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 on Truth Social.
“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.”
The military operation against Iran, Operation Epic Fury, began on February 28. The president previously suggested a four week long campaign in the region.
Iranian state television said the “US president backs down following Iran's firm warning” in its initial reaction to Trump’s statement.
Oil prices dropped following Trump’s announcement. Global oil benchmark Brent crude dropped more than 7 percent with oil hitting $99 per barrel, after previously reaching $114 per barrel. U.S. benchmark WTI dropped 10 percent to $10 per barrel.
Over the weekend, Trump gave Iran 48 hours to reopen the Straight of Hormuz, promising retaliation if the country failed to do so, specifically targeting Iran’s power plants, noting “the United States of America will hit and obliterate their various POWER PLANTS, STARTING WITH THE BIGGEST ONE FIRST!”
Monday’s announcement is the first official confirmation of any high level talks between the U.S. and Tehran since the conflict began almost four weeks ago.
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