US President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social Monday that, against the backdrop of a 48-hour ultimatum he issued to Iran demanding it reopen the Strait of Hormuz – with threats of strikes that would "obliterate" its power facilities – talks between the two countries are now underway. Trump has ordered the strikes to be halted for five days, depending on the results of the conversations.
"I am pleased to report that the United States of America, and the country of Iran, have had, over the last two days, very good and productive conversations regarding a complete and total resolution of our hostilities in the Middle East," the president's post read.
"Based on the tenor and tone of these in-depth, detailed, and constructive conversations, which will continue throughout the week, I have instructed the Department of War to postpone any and 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."
Diplomatic sources in the region confirmed to Israel Hayom that Oman served as a mediator between Iran and the US. Concurrent with the president's announcement, Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi wrote that "Oman is working intensively to arrange safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz," adding that the war "is already causing widespread economic problems" and that he fears they "will worsen significantly if the fighting continues."
The president's dramatic announcement prompted a response from Iranian officials. Spokesperson of the Iranian Parliament's National Security Committee, Ibrahim Rezaei, said, "Trump and the US have backed down again. The campaign continues to gallop," adding this decision marks "Another defeat for the Satan" – referring to the US.
The Iranian embassy in Kabul attributed the president's diplomatic route to Iranian threats to strike energy infrastructure in the Gulf and in Israel. "Trump backs down from attacking energy infrastructures after Iran's firm warning," the embassy said in a statement.
According to Fars News Agency (Iran's state-run news agency), an Iranian source claimed that "There was no direct or indirect communication with Trump – he backed down after hearing that our targets would be every power station in the Middle East."
