Trump orders 5-day pause on Iran strikes as diplomacy takes hold

2026-03-23 - 11:25

US President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social that, against the backdrop of a 48-hour ultimatum he issued to Iran demanding it reopen the Strait of Hormuz – with threats of strikes that would "obliterate" its power facilities – talks between the two countries are now underway. Trump has ordered the strikes to be halted for five days, depending on the results of the conversations. "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," the president's post read. "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."