Trump’s ability to change his mind quickly comes to his rescue again. He backtracks on his promise to destroy Iran’s power plants, seeing the reaction of world markets. Netanyahu quietly cries in a corner

On March 23, 2026, US President Donald Trump did indeed announce a five-day delay in planned military strikes on Iran’s power plants and energy infrastructure.

 

Key events

 

Ultimatum: On Saturday, March 21, Trump issued a 48-hour ultimatum, threatening to “destroy” Iran’s power plants if Tehran did not completely open the Strait of Hormuz.

 

Retraction: Just as the deadline was due to expire on Monday, March 23, Trump announced on Truth Social (in all caps) that he had ordered the Pentagon to suspend the strikes for five days.

 

Rationale: Trump cited “very good and productive talks” with Tehran over the weekend aimed at “a complete and comprehensive resolution” to the Middle East hostilities.

 

Market impact: The announcement immediately sent global markets soaring and oil prices plunging, after the threat of infrastructure destruction.

 

Conflicting reports

 

Iranian denial: Iran’s Foreign Ministry and state-affiliated news agencies such as Tasnim strongly denied that any direct or indirect talks had taken place.

 

Tehran’s view: Iranian officials described Trump’s statement as a “retreat” prompted by pressure from financial markets and a tactic to “buy time” for military planning.

 

Threats of retaliation: Before the pause, Iran warned it would “irreversibly destroy” critical infrastructure, including water systems and U.S. bases in the Persian Gulf, if its own power grid was attacked.

 

While Trump describes a diplomatic breakthrough, the situation remains highly volatile as the war between the US, Israel and Iran enters its fourth week.

 

Lithuanian press confirms the developments:

 

“US President Donald Trump said on Monday that he would refrain from attacking Iranian power plants for five days after very good talks with Tehran. The move marked a sharp change that immediately eased pressure on shaken markets.

 

Iran rejected US President Donald Trump’s claims that the two countries had “productive talks” on ending the war in the Middle East.”