President Donald Trump revealed that his ultimatum for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face strikes on Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure would be postponed for five days amid “good and productive” talks between the U.S. and Tehran.
President Trump shared that Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, his two presidential envoys, began talks with the Islamic Republic on Sunday. He affirmed that an agreement with Tehran would ban nuclear weapons and involve regime change, according to the Wall Street Journal (WSJ).
According to Iranian state media, Iran’s Foreign Ministry denied talks between Tehran and Washington, claiming that President Trump “retreated” from his ultimatum “out of fear of Iran’s response.”
Iran’s Foreign Ministry confirmed that other nations in the Middle East have sought to start diplomatic talks with the Islamic Republic, with Arab officials affirming that they have attempted unilateral peace talks but have faced difficulties because of Iran’s high demands to end its hostilities.
President Trump Threatens to Attack Iran's Energy Infrastructure
Over the weekend, President Trump wrote in a social media post via Truth Social, warning Iran about its control over the Strait of Hormuz.
“If Iran doesn’t FULLY OPEN, WITHOUT THREAT, the Strait of Hormuz, within 48 HOURS from this exact point in time, the United States of America will hit and obliterate their various POWER PLANTS, STARTING WITH THE BIGGEST ONE FIRST!,” President Trump wrote.
Following President Trump’s threat, Iran assured that any attacks on its energy infrastructure will be met with retaliatory strikes and by laying sea mines across the “entire Persian Gulf.”
According to CBS News, as of Mar. 23, U.S. officials who have seen current American intelligence assessments informed the news outlet that there are at least a dozen underwater mines throughout the maritime chokepoint.
According to two U.S. officials who spoke with the WSJ, thousands of U.S. Marines are expected to arrive in the Middle East on Mar. 27, 2026, the same day President Trump has set as the deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz
