US President Donald Trump announced early Monday morning that the US has been holding talks with Iran over the end of the war for the past two days, and he has suspended any military strikes against Iran’s power and energy infrastructure for five days.

“I am pleased to report that the United States of America and the country of Iran have had, over the last two days, very good and productive conversations regarding a complete and total resolution of our hostilities in the Middle East,” Trump wrote on Truth Social (in all caps).

“Based on the tenor and tone of these in depth, detailed and constructive conversations, which will continue throughout the week, I have instructed the Department of War to postpone any and all military strikes against Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure for a five day period, subject to the success of the ongoing meetings and discussions.”

Following Trump’s dramatic announcement, oil prices fell by 12%.

Following the announcement, Iran’s Foreign Ministry issued a statement denying Trump’s statements, and its state television channel broadcast a statement saying: “U.S. president backs down following Iran’s firm warning.”

The statement from Iran’s Foreign Ministry said that “Iran denies that contacts are taking place between the parties to end hostilities. Iran maintains its position, rejecting any kind of negotiation before achieving its war aims.”

It further stated, “Trump’s statement is a retreat from his previous threats, but the Islamic Republic of Iran remains committed to all of its stated positions. Iran’s position in the Strait of Hormuz has not changed, and the strait will remain closed to those who attack Iran.”

Trump’s dramatic announcement follows his ultimatum on Motzei Shabbos that if Iran doesn’t reopen the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours, the US will “obliterate” the Islamic Republic’s power plants.

(YWN Israel Desk—Jerusalem)