President Donald Trump says the U.S. is backing off Iranian energy targets — for now.
Trump announced Monday that he has ordered a five-day pause on any U.S. strikes against Iran’s power plants and energy infrastructure after what he described as “very good and productive” talks over the weekend aimed at ending the war.
Trump said the discussions would continue throughout the week and that the pause was contingent on their success.
That matters immediately because Iran’s energy network, and the threat of attacks on it, has become a major driver of oil market volatility.
In his statement, Trump said he had instructed the “Department of War” to postpone “any and all military strikes” on Iranian power and energy targets for five days.
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) March 23, 2026
In a subsequent phone call with CNBC, Trump said that the US is “very intent on making a deal with Iran” and characterized discussions as very intense.
Tehran, however, quickly pushed back on Trump’s account.
Iranian state-linked outlets denied any direct talks with Washington, with Tehran framing Trump’s comments as an attempt to lower energy prices and buy time rather than a sign of genuine progress.
Iran also maintained that it did not start the war and said de-escalation demands should be directed at Washington.
Brent crude plunged more than 13% at one point after Trump’s announcement, touching a session low near $96 a barrel before rebounding. U.S. crude also fell sharply, while global equities got a lift from hopes that a direct strike on Iran’s energy system might be avoided, at least temporarily.
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Trump ordered a five-day pause on strikes against Iran’s energy infrastructure — saying weekend talks with Tehran were “very good and productive.”
Iran is disputing Trump’s version of events — with state-linked outlets denying direct talks and accusing Washington of trying to calm oil markets.
Oil prices swung sharply on the news — Brent crude tumbled after Trump’s announcement before rebounding as uncertainty remained high.
This is a pause, not a peace deal — if talks fail, Iranian energy targets could be back in the crosshairs within days.
The bigger issue is that this is a pause, not peace.
Even with Trump stepping back for five days, Israeli strikes have continued, and Tehran is still threatening broader retaliation.
More over at The New York Post:
Trump delays strikes on Iran power, energy plants for five days, citing 'very good and productive conversations' https://t.co/rkeOFjf1uF pic.twitter.com/8q3G1uDtUR
— New York Post (@nypost) March 23, 2026