Trump Pauses Iran Power Plant Strikes 5 Days
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- Trump extended his deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, saying the US will hold off striking Iranian power plants for five more days (March 23, 2026), and claimed US envoys are talking with a "respected" Iranian leader who wants "to make a deal."
- Iranian officials denied any negotiations were underway, declaring Trump had "backed down" following Iran's "firm warning."
- Netanyahu said he spoke with Trump, who believed US-Israeli military gains in Iran could be converted into a negotiated agreement protecting Israel's interests.
- Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei acknowledged receiving messages from "some friendly countries" indicating a US request for negotiations aimed at ending the war, per the official IRNA news agency.
- Tehran had threatened to deploy naval mines in the Gulf and target power plants and water infrastructure across the region in retaliation against any US strike.
- Two India-flagged LPG carriers, Jag Vasant and Pine gas, transited through the Strait of Hormuz Monday evening, according to India's Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.
Why it matters: The five-day pause reduces the immediate risk of strikes on Iranian power infrastructure, but Iran's denial of direct talks and claim that Trump "backed down" highlights how far apart the sides remain — even as two India-flagged LPG carriers successfully transited the Strait, suggesting the corridor is at least partially open for energy traffic.
