March 23, 2026

Trump postpones airstrikes on Iranian power plants for five days

United States President Donald Trump has ordered a five-day delay on planned airstrikes targeting Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure.

 

In a post on Truth Social on Monday, Trump said the directive to the United States Department of Defense is tied to the outcome of ongoing diplomatic engagements.

 

He noted that Washington and Iran have held what he described as “very good and productive conversations” over the past two days, aimed at achieving a “complete and total resolution” of hostilities in the Middle East.

 

The development follows an earlier ultimatum by Trump, giving Iran 48 hours to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route responsible for transporting about one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas.

 

Tehran had responded with strong warnings, threatening to target critical infrastructure across the region, including facilities linked to American interests, if the United States proceeded with military action.

 

Iran also signalled potential strikes on power plants supplying electricity to U.S. military bases, as well as economic and industrial assets tied to American investments.

 

Trump had earlier suggested that the conflict could lead to regime change, urging the Iranian people to “reclaim their country.” However, the objectives of the confrontation have appeared to shift, amid growing global economic concerns, including rising fuel prices.

 

Despite reported high-level losses, including that of former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, Iran’s government remains in control, with Mojtaba Khamenei reportedly stepping into a leadership role.