Donald Trump Announces Five-Day Pause on Potential Strikes Against Iran

Washington: U.S. President Donald Trump announced Monday that he has ordered a five-day postponement of planned military strikes targeting Iran's energy infrastructure, following what he described as 'good and productive conversations' with Tehran.According to Ethiopian News Agency, Trump stated in a Truth Social post that the pause is intended to allow continued diplomatic engagement aimed at achieving 'a complete and total resolution of our hostilities in the Middle East.' The move signals a potential de-escalation after several days of heightened tensions between the two countries. The decision comes amid strong warnings from Iran.Officials tied to Iran's National Defense Council indicated that any attack on Iranian territory, including coastal areas or islands, would provoke severe retaliation, potentially disrupting maritime traffic in the Persian Gulf. The warning followed the expiration of a U.S.-imposed deadline for Iran to reopen the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil transit route. Earlier, Trump had threatened to 'obliterate' Iran's power infrastructure if the passage was not reopened within 48 hours.Tensions were further heightened by Iranian threats to target energy facilities in Israel and those supplying U.S. bases across the Gulf region if Washington proceeds with strikes. Despite the rhetoric, Trump emphasized that talks will continue throughout the week, with military action contingent on their outcome.Global markets responded quickly to the announcement. Oil prices fell sharply following news of the pause, reflecting investor optimism that a broader conflict and potential disruption to energy supplies might be avoided.