Trump Delays Attack on Iran's Power Plants: Signs of Easing War?

Jakarta - US President Donald Trump has decided to postpone plans for military strikes on Iran’s power plants and energy infrastructure for five days. This decision was made following “good and productive” conversations between Washington and Tehran.

“I am pleased to report that the United States and Iran have had very good and productive conversations regarding the complete and total resolution of our hostilities in the Middle East,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform, quoted from Al Jazeera, on Monday (23/3/2026).

“I have instructed the Department of Defense to postpone all military strikes on Iran’s power plants and energy infrastructure for five days, depending on the success of the ongoing meetings and discussions,” Trump added.

On Saturday, Trump issued an ultimatum to Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz to all ships within 48 hours. He warned that if the demand was not met, the United States would “destroy” Iran’s power plants.

Previously, Iran stated it would fully close the strait, a vital route through which about one-fifth of the world’s oil supply passes, as a form of retaliation. Tehran also threatened to target energy facilities in Israel and Gulf countries.

The de facto blockade of the Strait of Hormuz has triggered a surge in global oil prices and caused gas shortages in several Asian countries.

The head of the International Energy Agency (IEA), Fatih Birol, warned on Monday that the current situation in the Middle East is “very serious” and even considered worse than the combined two energy crises of the 1970s era.

Meanwhile, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) responded that if Washington continues its threats, Iran will target power plants in all areas supplying electricity to US bases “as well as economic, industrial, and energy infrastructure where America has stakes”.

In addition, Iran’s Defence Council warned that any attack on their southern coastal areas or islands would trigger a military response in the form of sea mines, potentially closing shipping lanes in the Gulf.

Osama bin Javaid from Al Jazeera, citing his conversations with several diplomats, revealed that even during the Eid al-Fitr holiday, intensive communications continued between various countries, both through embassies and directly with the White House.

“People have told us that they have informed Trump that this escalation process is not good for Iran or Israel,” he reported.