Trump Delays Strike on Iran's Energy Infrastructure, Sets Five-Day Deadline for Negotiations with Tehran

Trump stated that after what he called “productive talks” with Iran, the United States will delay its strike on Iran’s energy infrastructure. This statement has caused confusion among observers regarding the parties involved in the talks and the details of the agreement.

On Monday, Trump told reporters that he would postpone the attack on Iran’s energy infrastructure by five days, claiming a “major consensus” had been reached with Iran. Trump said that special envoys Steve Wittekoff and Jared Kushner had ongoing talks with a “high-level” Iranian official on Sunday, lasting into the evening, and both sides were eager to “reach an agreement,” with another phone call scheduled for Monday.

Later Monday in Memphis, Trump said, “Iran still has one more chance to end the threat against the United States and its allies, and we hope they seize this opportunity.” He added, “This is very likely to become a deal that benefits all parties,” and reiterated that Iran must not be allowed to acquire nuclear weapons.

Trump hinted that the U.S. and Iran might jointly control the Strait of Hormuz. He said that if “feasible,” the strait could reopen soon.

Iran denied negotiations with the U.S., but Trump suggested talks are ongoing. As a result, Brent crude oil prices plummeted from $112 per barrel to about $96. As of 12:44 p.m. New York time, oil was trading below $102 per barrel. Meanwhile, the Trump administration is accelerating efforts to restore oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz.

Trump said he is negotiating with a “high-level” Iranian official, but this person is not Supreme Leader Mullah Khamenei.

On March 20, 2026, President Donald Trump spoke to the media on the South Lawn of the White House.

Axios reported Monday that Wittekoff is in talks with Iranian Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani. However, Larijani posted on X (formerly Twitter) that he has not held any negotiations with the U.S. The Iranian state TV said that recently, the U.S. attempted to negotiate with Iran through intermediaries, but Iran has not responded to the request.

Trump reiterated that the primary goal remains preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. Under a potential agreement, the U.S. would retain Iran’s uranium stockpile. He added that the U.S. and Iran have reached an understanding on this issue, including a ban on Iran’s uranium enrichment for medical and other civilian purposes.

Trump said the initial pause was only five days, emphasizing twice that it only applies to strikes on Iran’s major energy and power infrastructure.

“We’ll see how things go. If progress is made, we can ultimately resolve this,” he said. “Otherwise, we’ll just have to keep bombing desperately.”

Following Trump’s latest comments on Monday, Iran announced it was launching a new round of missile and drone attacks against Israeli and U.S. targets, dampening expectations of a quick de-escalation.

Earlier, Trump ordered the deployment of U.S. Marine Corps forces to Iran, including the dispatch of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit from Japan, with over 2,000 troops.

Fred Fleitz, who served on the National Security Council during Trump’s first term, said that talk of reaching an agreement “may just be a bluff by the president.” However, Fleitz, now vice president of the America First Policy Institute, expressed optimism that this could mark the beginning of the end of large-scale military actions.

In the past two weeks, several Middle Eastern countries—including Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Oman—have held behind-the-scenes talks with Iran in an attempt to curb war and find a way for Iran to agree to a ceasefire with the U.S. and Israel.

Trump previously demanded Iran reopen the Strait of Hormuz by Monday evening, or the U.S. and Israel would begin bombing Iran’s power plants. Iran vowed to retaliate by attacking energy, information technology, and water facilities across the Middle East.

Iran’s Defense Council threatened Monday that if its coastline is further attacked, it will lay mines across the “entire Persian Gulf.”

On March 23, an excavator was seen clearing debris from a destroyed residential building in northern Tehran.

An Israeli official, who requested anonymity discussing sensitive matters, said Israel plans to continue military operations while avoiding energy assets. The officials said Israel was aware of Trump’s social media posts in advance.

When asked whether Israel would abide by any agreement reached with Tehran, Trump said Monday, “I believe Israel will be very satisfied with the deal we reach,” implying prior communication with Israel.

The Israeli military announced Monday that it is targeting Iranian infrastructure and launched strikes on central Tehran. Iran continues to respond, with reports of drone and missile attacks on Israel, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia, though no major strikes have been confirmed. Israel is also preparing to expand ground operations in Lebanon, where it is engaged in a parallel conflict with Iran-backed Hezbollah.

U.S. Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier