U.S. President Donald Trump has announced that planned military strikes against Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure will be postponed for the time being. Following two days of direct talks with Iran, a five-day window will be granted to continue diplomatic efforts. Previously, Washington had issued an ultimatum demanding that Tehran reopen the Strait of Hormuz, warning that failure to do so would result in strikes. The new decision points to a possible diplomatic solution in the three-week-long conflict, which has so far been marked by military escalation and has significantly driven up global oil prices.
Behind the scenes, several countries in the region are said to have mediated in order to gain time for negotiations. The talks appear to go beyond the issue of the key shipping route and aim at a broader end to hostilities. Observers note, however, that it remains unclear who on the Iranian side holds actual decision-making authority. While the foreign minister is considered a key interlocutor, real power lies with military and political leadership bodies whose stance on potential agreements remains uncertain.
Shortly after the announcement from Washington, Tehran denied reports of direct talks and accused the United States of trying to buy time for its own military planning. Despite the conflicting accounts, the extension of the deadline is seen as an important step, as an attack on Iranian infrastructure could have triggered a massive retaliation across the Gulf region. The situation remains tense, even as efforts to find a diplomatic way out are gaining importance.