As the Iran war enters its fourth week, President Donald Trump on Monday announced that the United States has engaged in diplomatic talks with Iran and is taking a five-day pause on strikes against Iranian power plants and 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 in an all-caps message posted to Truth Social.
He continued: “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 meeting and discussions.”
The announcement comes amid fears of a global energy crisis, with gas and oil prices surging after a series of strikes against Persian Gulf energy sites and as Iran continues its stranglehold on the Strait of Hormuz, a key oil passage.
Oil prices dropped immediately after Trump’s post on Monday, with Brent crude, the international benchmark, falling by roughly 15% within minutes of the announcement.
Iran’s foreign ministry denied that negotiations are underway with the U.S., The Associated Press reported, citing the Iranian state-owned newspaper IRAN.
“Remarks by the U.S. president are part of efforts to reduce energy prices and buy time to implement his military plans,” the newspaper said, according to the AP. “While there have been initiatives by regional countries to de-escalate tensions, Iran’s response has been clear: It did not start the war and all such requests should be directed to Washington.” In a subsequent Truth Social post on Monday, Trump said the U.S. was getting “very close to meeting our objectives” and suggested American involvement in the Iran war could be “winding down.” Thirteen U.S. service members have been killed and at least 200 others have been wounded since the U.S. and Israel launched strikes against Iran on Feb. 28. More than 1,500 people in Iran have been killed, according to Iranian officials, and at least 1,000 people in Lebanon have been killed, according to the country’s Ministry of Health. This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
Hayley Meissner is the senior producer for MS NOW’s Breaking News and Blogs team. Recommended
