Donald Trump has halted planned US attacks on Iran's power plants and energy systems. The announcement comes just days after the US threatened harsh attacks. At the same time, Trump claims that talks are ongoing with Iran - something Tehran completely denies.
The US was reportedly close to striking several key energy targets in Iran, including power plants crucial to the country's electricity supply. But the order was withdrawn at the last minute. The US President Donald Trump motivates in a post on Social Truth the message that the situation had changed.
”We have had very good talks with Iran.”
Iran gives the opposite picture
The statement marks a clear shift. Just a short time earlier threatened Trump on knocking out Iran's energy sector. Now Trump is talking about dialog instead.
From the Iranian side, however, a completely different picture is given. They deny that any talks are taking place at all, reports RT. This means that Trump's data is not confirmed and that two completely different versions now stand against each other.
Hormuz at the center
Meanwhile, Trump has decided to extend the deadline for Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz. It is one of the world's most important transportation routes for oil and gas. Previously, the US demanded swift action, but now more time is being given.
This is because the situation in Hormuz has become a real problem. Disruptions in the Strait have already affected energy shipments and caused market concerns. When the flow of oil is affected, it is quickly felt - and it increases the pressure on the US to avoid an escalation.
Clear change of course
It is at this point that the decision to halt attacks comes. Instead of hitting energy targets, which risk making the situation even worse, Trump chooses to pause.
The developments point to a clear shift. The US is moving from threatening new attacks to talking about talks and giving more time. At the same time, uncertainty remains. If no talks are actually taking place, as Iran claims, the question arises what Trump's announcement is really about.
This makes the situation unusually unclear. The US is backing away from direct attacks, but without clearly showing what the next step will be. Many believe Trump is trying to sell an increasingly dire situation as ”victory” and ”success”, so that he can then retreat with some sense of pride.
The man is completely insane!!!
Trump is a complete lunatic can never be trusted time to put him on the home front.