US President Donald Trump announced a five-day postponement of planned strikes against Iranian energy installations, citing ongoing diplomatic discussions between Washington and Tehran. The decision was revealed in a statement posted on his Truth Social account, where he referred to recent talks between the two sides as “very good and productive”.
Trump said the United States and Iran had held discussions over the past two days aimed at reaching what he called a “complete and final resolution of hostilities” in the Middle East. Based on this, he said he had instructed the US Department of War to suspend any military action against Iranian energy infrastructure for five days, with the pause dependent on the progress of negotiations expected to continue throughout the week.
🚨 President Donald J. Trump calls for a pause on all military strikes against Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure for a five-day period, subject to the success of the ongoing meetings and discussions. pic.twitter.com/N15CTRvikT
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) March 23, 2026
Mixed signals: diplomacy and threats
Despite the temporary pause, Trump continued to strike a dual tone, combining calls for agreement with explicit warnings. “We are very willing to make a deal,” he said, adding that any agreement must ensure “no more wars” and that Iran would not possess nuclear weapons. He also expressed confidence that Israel would support such an outcome.
“I think Israel will be very happy with what we have. This will be peace for Israel. Long-term peace, guaranteed peace if this happens,” Trump said, noting that US officials had been in contact with Israeli counterparts “just a short while ago”.
At the same time, he warned that if talks fail, the United States would respond militarily.
“I would strongly recommend they listen this time, otherwise we will bomb them wholeheartedly,” he said.
Regime change and Hormuz remarks
Trump also went further, suggesting that Washington is aiming for significant political change in Iran.
“There will be a very serious form of regime change,” he told reporters in Florida, adding that the US is engaging with figures inside Iran whom he described as “very reasonable” and “respected”.
Asked who might control the Strait of Hormuz under a future agreement, Trump responded: “Maybe me, me and… whoever the next ayatollah is.” He also claimed that oil prices would “drop sharply” once a deal is reached.
Earlier ultimatum over the Strait of Hormuz
The latest developments follow strong warnings issued by Trump over the weekend regarding Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. He had given Tehran a 48-hour deadline to reopen the strategic waterway, warning that failure to comply would trigger US strikes on energy infrastructure.
“If Iran does not fully open, without threat, the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours, the United States of America will strike and destroy the various power generation stations in the country,” he said.
According to reports, US officials have also informed Israel that any military operation linked to Hormuz could take several weeks to unfold.
Iran rejects pressure and signals continued resistance
Iranian officials have responded cautiously but firmly to Trump’s statements, rejecting threats and signalling that decisions on the Strait of Hormuz and the broader conflict will not be dictated externally. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has warned that Iran will not show restraint if its energy infrastructure continues to be targeted, while officials have framed US demands as part of broader pressure tactics. Iranian state messaging has also emphasised resilience, with senior figures insisting that military capabilities remain intact and that any negotiations must respect Iran’s sovereignty and security interests.
BREAKING: President Trump says that if Iran doesn't cooperate that America will CONTINUE "bombing our little hearts out."
— Gunther Eagleman™ (@GuntherEagleman) March 23, 2026
I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND they listen this time around.
Granted, if these ones don't, the next ones will be given the same chance after Trump and our… pic.twitter.com/yEt7T9Cese