Iran's Gas Stations Attacked After Trump Claims Talks to End War
Iran’s territory was hit by US-Israel attacks several hours after US President Donald Trump delayed an ultimatum to strike Iranian power facilities. Iranian media reported that the Israel-US strikes targeted two gas facilities and a gas pipeline.
“As part of the ongoing attacks carried out by the Zionist enemy and America, the gas administration building and gas pressure regulation station on Kaveh Street in Isfahan were targeted,” said the Fars news agency, quoted by AFP, on Tuesday (24/3/2026).
The facilities in central Iran “sustained partial damage,” Fars added, which is the only Iranian news outlet reporting the incident. It was stated that the attack also targeted the Khorramshahr power plant gas pipeline in the southwest of the country.
“A projectile struck an area outside the Khorramshahr gas pipeline processing station,” Fars reported, quoting the governor of the city bordering Iraq. The extent of the damage was not specified.
Trump stated on Monday (23/3) that “everything is going very well” with Iran, shortly after announcing talks with Tehran and a five-day pause to target the Islamic Republic’s power plants.
Trump’s sudden change of stance towards Iran occurred several hours before the end of a two-day ultimatum in which he threatened to attack Iran’s power plants if Tehran did not reopen the strategic Strait of Hormuz. However, Iranian media stated that no negotiations were underway to end the war.
Quoted by Anadolu Agency, US military attacks on Iran will continue despite ongoing discussions described by Trump as “productive,” with the pause applying only to strikes on Iran’s energy infrastructure, as reported by the US news agency Semafor, citing an unnamed US official.
“The five-day halt on attacks applies only to their energy sites,” the official said. “This is not for military and naval sites, ballistic missiles, and defence industrial bases. The initial (Operation) Epic Fury initiative will continue.”
Shortly afterwards, Iran denied holding any talks with the US, contradicting Trump’s claim that “productive conversations” had recently taken place between the two countries.
The semi-official Mehr news agency, quoting an Iranian source, said there was “no dialogue” between Tehran and Washington. The source stated that Trump’s comments were part of his efforts “to lower energy prices and buy time to carry out military plans.”
According to the US official, Israel is not directly involved in negotiations with Tehran but is kept informed of developments. The official added that currently only three people are authorised to negotiate directly with Iran: Trump, Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law.
Vice President JD Vance could be involved in discussions if necessary, the official said. “He knows what he’s doing, and now we’re on a dual track,” the official stated.