Published 03/23/2026 11:24 | Edited 03/23/2026 12:29
Under pressure from Iranian resistance, military escalation and the impact of the war on the energy market, United States President Donald Trump announced this Monday (23) the suspension for five days of attacks on Iran’s energy infrastructure, just hours before the end of the 48-hour ultimatum imposed on Tehran.
“I am pleased to report that the United States and Iran have had, over the last two days, very positive and productive conversations regarding the full resolution of our hostilities in the Middle East,” Trump published this Monday (23).
According to him, “in view of the tone of these deep, detailed and constructive conversations, which will continue throughout the week”, he decided “to postpone all military attacks against Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure for a period of five days”.
The announcement comes amid rising oil and gas prices, which is already putting pressure on inflation in the United States and increasing internal wear and tear in the White House, while Iranian resistance and its ability to respond to the world’s largest military power — supported by Israel — increase the political and economic cost of the offensive.
The decision, presented by Washington as a result of negotiations, is interpreted by the Iranian government as a tactical retreat in the face of the threat of retaliation and the instability caused by the US offensive in the region.
The Iranian Foreign Ministry rejected the version of direct negotiations and stated that “the US President’s statements are within the framework of efforts to reduce energy prices and buy time to implement his military plans.”
He also indicated that there are ongoing mediations, but highlighted: “there are initiatives from countries in the region to reduce tensions, and our response to all of them is clear: we are not the party that started this war, and all these requests must be forwarded by Washington.”
The position reflects Tehran’s distrust, since the war of aggression between the United States and Israel against the Persian country began amid formal negotiations between the two countries over the Iranian nuclear program.
Last Saturday (21). Trump stated that “if Iran does not completely, without threat, open the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours from this very moment, the United States of America will attack and obliterate several of its power plants, starting with the largest one.”
The deadline would expire this Monday, the same day that Washington announced the suspension of the offensive.
Tehran had warned that it would respond to any attack with direct actions against strategic targets in the region, including Israel’s energy infrastructure and areas close to US bases, in addition to admitting the closure of the strait, through which around 20% of the world’s oil passes.
The Iranian government stated that in the event of an attack on the country’s islands or coast, the entire energy infrastructure in Israel and around US bases in the region would be considered a target. Tehran also warned that it would completely block the Strait of Hormuz, threatening to attack desalination plants in the Gulf region.
On his social networks, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that, at this time, the Strait of Hormuz is not closed. “Ships hesitate because insurers fear the war of choice you started — not Iran,” he stressed.
The combination of military escalation, the risk of interruption of global energy flow and the Iranian response capacity keeps the scenario unstable, even in the face of the temporary suspension announced by Washington.
Source: vermelho.org.br
