Trump orders temporary halt on strikes against Iran

U.S. President Donald Trump has directed the Department of Defense to postpone all planned airstrikes against Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure for five days.

The decision comes after what Trump described as “productive talks” between the United States and Iran, amid escalating tensions in the Middle East that have persisted for more than three weeks.

Trump’s announcement, made via a post on his Truth Social account, signals a temporary de-escalation in the ongoing conflict, which has involved coordinated U.S. and Israeli military operations targeting Iranian interests.

According to the President, discussions between Washington and Tehran over the past two days have been “very good and productive,” raising hopes for a potential resolution to hostilities in the region. He emphasized, however, that the extension is contingent on the continued success of ongoing meetings and diplomatic discussions.

Markets React to De-Escalation

Financial markets responded swiftly to Trump’s announcement. Brent crude oil prices fell 13 percent to around $96 a barrel, while the FTSE 100 index recovered to 0.5 percent after earlier losses exceeding 2 percent. Gas prices also dropped from 159p per therm to approximately 139p.

The yield on 10-year United Kingdom government bonds fell to 4.89 percent from an earlier 5.121 percent, underscoring the market’s sensitivity to geopolitical developments in the region.

The postponement follows Trump’s prior warning, issued on Saturday, that Iran had 48 hours to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime route that handles roughly one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments.

Tehran had previously threatened to retaliate by targeting essential infrastructure, including water systems and energy facilities, in the event of U.S. military action. Iranian authorities also indicated that American-linked economic, industrial, and energy assets would be potential targets should the conflict escalate further.

The temporary halt in strikes aligns with broader efforts to resolve the crisis through diplomacy, though uncertainty remains. The International Energy Agency (IEA) has reported that more than 40 energy assets across nine Middle Eastern countries have been severely damaged due to the conflict, raising concerns about long-term disruptions to global supply chains.

Fatih Birol, IEA’s Executive Director, warned that continued damage to energy infrastructure could extend the impact on global markets well beyond the resolution of hostilities.

As the five-day postponement takes effect, both Washington and Tehran face mounting pressure to translate talks into tangible outcomes.

While Trump’s announcement offers a reprieve for global energy markets and regional stability, experts caution that the risk of renewed escalation remains high, highlighting the fragile nature of diplomacy in a region long marked by strategic tensions and conflict.

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