Trump Announces Pause on Iran Energy Strikes

Former president calls for 10-day halt to attacks on Iranian infrastructure.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 3:14pm

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A moody, atmospheric painting of an empty government building at night, with warm light and deep shadows, conveying a sense of political transition and uncertainty.The temporary pause in U.S. strikes on Iranian infrastructure raises hopes for renewed diplomatic efforts to ease regional tensions.Washington Today

Former President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that he would delay planned attacks on Iranian energy infrastructure for 10 days, citing a desire to de-escalate tensions in the region. The decision comes amid ongoing concerns over the potential for further military conflict between the U.S. and Iran.

Why it matters

The announcement represents a shift in Trump's previously hardline stance toward Iran, which has included the targeted killing of a top Iranian general and other confrontational actions. The temporary pause in strikes could open the door for diplomatic efforts to reduce regional tensions.

The details

In a televised address, Trump said he had ordered the U.S. military to hold off on attacks against Iranian oil refineries and other energy-related targets for the next 10 days. The former president cited a need to 'cool tensions' and explore potential negotiations as the reason for the temporary halt.

  • Trump made the announcement on Thursday, March 28, 2026.

The players

Donald Trump

The former president of the United States who ordered the pause in strikes against Iranian energy infrastructure.

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What they’re saying

“We must take a step back and see if we can find a diplomatic solution to this crisis before more lives are lost.”

— Donald Trump, Former U.S. President

What’s next

The White House has indicated it will use the 10-day pause to engage in talks with Iranian officials and U.S. allies in the region to explore de-escalation options.

The takeaway

Trump's decision to temporarily halt strikes on Iran represents a potential shift in U.S. foreign policy toward the country, raising hopes that diplomacy may still be possible to resolve longstanding tensions between the two nations.