– The Washington Times
The U.S. and Iran had “very good and productive” talks about ending hostilities in the Middle East over the weekend, President Trump said Monday.
Mr. Trump said he would not target power plants or energy infrastructure for five days as the talks continue through the week.
The president’s message, issued on social media, was one of the firmest indications yet of a cessation in the fighting that began with U.S.-Israel airstrikes on Iran on Feb. 28.
“The United States of America, and the country of Iran, have had, over the last two days, very good and productive conversations regarding a complete and total resolution of our hostilities in the Middle East,” Mr. Trump wrote in all-caps for emphasis.
Mr. Trump had threatened to wipe out Iran’s power plants if it did not open the Strait of Hormuz. He issued the threat late Saturday, giving Iran 48 hours to comply.
Markets reacted positively to Monday’s Truth Social post. Dow Futures shot up 1,000 points, and the price of Brent crude oil, an international benchmark, dropped about 8% to around $103 per barrel.
Separately, Mr. Trump told CNBC’s Joe Kernen that “we are very intent on making a deal with Iran.”
He said the talks had been intense and said the unfolding situation in Iran could be described as regime change.
State news in Iran characterized the situation differently than Mr. Trump did.
The Fars News Agency said Mr. Trump “backed down” after Tehran threatened to hit power plants in West Asia in response to his earlier threats against Iranian power plants.
Mr. Trump says he wants to keep Tehran from developing a nuclear weapon, dismantle its navy and missile program and prevent it from supporting terror proxies in the Middle East.
He says the military is ahead of schedule in its aims but is also grappling with Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, which carries about a fifth of the world’s oil supply.
The national average price of a gallon of gas has reached $3.95 after sitting below $3 a month ago, according to the AAA motor club.
• Tom Howell Jr. can be reached at thowell@washingtontimes.com.
