Trump suspends planned attacks on Iranian power plants after ‘productive’ talks with Tehran – THIS END

By Ayo Kehinde

US President Donald Trump has ordered a temporary halt to planned military strikes against Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure, following what he described as “very good and productive conversations” with Iran.

The directive suspends impending military action for an initial period of five days, with further decisions dependent on the outcome of ongoing diplomatic engagements. The move signals a notable shift in tone after weeks of escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran over regional security issues and maritime access in the Gulf.

Announcing the pause via his social media platform Truth, Trump said discussions aimed at achieving “a complete and total resolution of hostilities in the Middle East” had taken place over the past two days and would continue throughout the week. The development has sparked cautious optimism about a possible diplomatic breakthrough in a crisis that has stretched into its fourth week.

The standoff had previously heightened fears of a broader regional conflict, particularly after Iran warned it could retaliate against U.S. interests and allied infrastructure if its energy facilities were attacked. Strategic concerns surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, a key artery for global oil supplies, have further intensified market anxieties.

The signal of easing of tension from Washington has already had a stabilizing effect on global markets. Oil prices fell sharply, while stocks rebounded after days of volatility driven by fears of supply disruptions.

However, diplomatic prospects remain clouded by sharply conflicting narratives on both sides. Iranian state media, Press TV, denied that direct or indirect negotiations had taken place. A senior Iranian security official, quoted by international media outlets, rejected Trump’s claims, saying no talks were underway and attributing the American pause to growing military and economic pressures.

The official also described Washington’s posture as “psychological warfare,” insisting that Iran remains ready to mount a full-scale defense response in the event of an attack. He further argued that the five-day suspension does not signal an easing of tension, but rather highlights lingering threats of military action.

These conflicting reports have compounded uncertainty about the true state of US-Iran relations, leaving global observers and energy markets following divergent signals. While Washington expects cautious diplomatic progress, Tehran’s denial suggests that a global solution to the crisis may still be a long way off.

Nonetheless, the temporary suspension of hostilities has provided a narrow window for dialogue, offering a glimmer of hope that sustained engagement can avoid further escalation in an already fragile region.

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