President Donald Trump has extended the deadline for Iran to reopen the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, announcing today that the US will delay threatened attacks on Iranian power plants for five days.
In a social media post, President Trump also hinted at the possibility of a resolution to the ongoing conflict.
Over the weekend, he had warned that the US would “obliterate” Iran’s power plants unless the country lifted its blockade on the strait within 48 hours, a deadline that would have expired today, Washington time.
This morning, President Trump said the US and Iran have held “very good and productive conversations” that could lead to “a complete and total resolution” of the conflict. He noted that the suspension of the threat to strike Iranian facilities is “subject to the success of the ongoing meetings and discussions.”
Trump did not provide details about the negotiations. However, Iran’s state newspaper reported that the Foreign Ministry denied any talks had taken place. “Remarks by the US president are part of efforts to reduce energy prices and buy time to implement his military plans,” the outlet said.
Earlier, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said he had spoken by phone with his Turkish counterpart, Hakan Fidan. Meanwhile, President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi confirmed that Egypt has sent “clear messages” to Iran aimed at de-escalating tensions.
Speaking to reporters, President Trump claimed Iran is seeking “to make a deal” and said US envoys, including Middle East special envoy Steve Witkoff and his son-in-law Jared Kushner, held talks late Sunday that are expected to continue. He did not name any Iranian officials involved and emphasized that the US has not engaged with Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei.
Shortly after Trump’s announcement, Iranian state TV described it as a US “backdown following Iran’s firm warning.”
The paramilitary Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned of retaliation if strikes were carried out, stating it would target power plants supplying US bases, as well as economic, industrial, and energy infrastructure involving Americans.
Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf added that Iran could consider essential regional infrastructure, including energy and desalination plants critical for drinking water in Gulf nations, legitimate targets.
Source: Morning Star
