Trump says strikes on Iran to be halted for 5 days

2026-03-24 - 03:14

Donald Trump has stated that the US Department of Defence has instructed a complete halt to attacks targeting Iran’s power plants and energy supply facilities for a period of five days. In a post on his Truth Social account today (23), President Trump said the decision followed what he described as “very productive and constructive” discussions held over the weekend between the United States and Iran, aimed at easing the escalating conflict in the Middle East. He further noted that talks between the United States and Iran will continue throughout this week. President Trump added that the possibility of extending the five-day pause would be considered depending on the progress made during the ongoing discussions. Previously, on the 21st, President Trump had warned that all of Iran’s power plants would be destroyed if the Strait of Hormuz was not fully reopened within 48 hours. That deadline was due to expire this week. Following the announcement of the temporary halt in strikes, the price of Brent crude oil fell by 13 per cent to 96 US dollars per barrel. Stock markets in many countries, including the United Kingdom, also recorded gains in response. During the 24-day conflict, 1,444 Iranian civilians were reported killed, while a further 18,551 were injured. The United States and Israel are reported to have carried out strikes on more than 7,000 targets within Iran.