DUBAI — The United States has postponed planned attacks on Iranian power plants for five days, after Donald Trump extended his ultimatum for Iran to reopen the crucial Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global oil trade.
Trump said the delay allows time for what he described as “very good and productive conversations” between the U.S. and Iran that could lead to “a complete and total resolution” of the conflict. However, he did not provide details on the discussions, while Iran denied that any direct negotiations with the U.S. have taken place.
The decision came hours before Trump’s original 48-hour deadline, in which he threatened to “obliterate” Iran’s power plants if the strait was not reopened.
In response, Iran issued a strong warning, declaring it would strike oil fields and other energy infrastructure across the Middle East, including facilities linked to U.S. interests.
The Iranian Revolutionary Guard said electricity and industrial facilities supplying U.S. bases in the region would be targeted. Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf added that Iran considers vital infrastructure across the region, including energy and desalination plants critical to Gulf nations’ water supply, as legitimate targets.
Iran had previously closed the Strait of Hormuz in retaliation to U.S. and Israeli attacks. While a few ships have passed, Tehran insists the strait remains closed to the U.S., Israel, and their allies. The move has caused severe disruptions in global oil markets and heightened economic concerns worldwide.
Amid rising tensions, the United Arab Emirates reported attempts to intercept incoming Iranian attacks with its air defense systems. Iran also warned it could mine the Persian Gulf if further aggression occurs, posing a threat to both military and commercial vessels.
Now in its fourth week, the conflict has killed over 2,000 people and driven oil prices to around $113 per barrel, a roughly 55% increase since the war began. The fighting continues to destabilize energy markets and threatens broader economic impacts, particularly for countries dependent on imported energy.
Meanwhile, Israel has continued offensives against Iran and affiliated groups in the region, including Hezbollah in Lebanon, raising the risk of a wider war.
Despite the escalating rhetoric and mutual threats, the United Nations has stressed that there is no military solution to the crisis and urged immediate diplomatic engagement to prevent further humanitarian and economic consequences globally.
Edgardo Hernal started college at UP Diliman and received his BA in Economics from San Sebastian College, Manila, and Masters in Information Systems Management from Keller Graduate School of Management of DeVry University in Oak Brook, IL. He has 25 years of copy editing and management experience at Thomson West, a subsidiary of Thomson Reuters.
- EDGARDO HERNAL
- EDGARDO HERNAL
- EDGARDO HERNAL
- EDGARDO HERNAL
