US President Donald Trump has stated that the talks held over the past two days between the United States and Iran have been productive, and that a decision has been made to pause American attacks against Iran for five days.
Trump wrote on the social media platform Truth Social that there had been “very good and productive discussions regarding a complete and comprehensive resolution of our hostilities in the Middle East.” According to Trump, all US attacks on Iran’s energy infrastructure will be suspended for five days.
Earlier, Iran’s National Defense Council had warned that any attempt to attack Iranian coasts or islands would result in “mines (explosive devices) being laid across all communication lines in the Persian Gulf.” The deadline given by President Donald Trump for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz is expiring today.
Trump’s announcement has been positively received by global markets. According to the BBC, crude oil prices fell by 13 percent to around $96 per barrel. The FTSE 100 index, which had earlier dropped by more than 2 percent, has now risen by 0.5 percent.
Gas prices have dropped from 159 pence per therm to around 139 pence.
The yield on the UK’s 10-year government bonds, which had reached 5.121 percent, has now fallen to 4.89 percent—lower than at the start of the day.
Trump’s message is being analyzed as his most conciliatory statement since the start of “Operation Epic Fury.”
In a post written in all capital letters on Truth Social, he said: “I am pleased to announce that over the past two days, there have been very good and productive discussions between the United States and Iran regarding a complete and comprehensive resolution of our hostilities in the Middle East.”
He further added: “Based on the intent and tone of these intense, detailed, and constructive discussions, which will continue throughout the week, I have instructed the Department of War to suspend any and all military attacks against Iranian energy centers and infrastructure for a period of five days, contingent upon the success of the ongoing meetings and discussions. Thank you for your attention to this matter! President Donald J. Trump.”
