23 March,2026 05:32 PM IST | Washington | mid-day online correspondent
US President Donald Trump announces 5-day pause in US military action against Iran. (File pic)
After several days of heightened tensions amid the West Asia conflict, following a joint attack by the United States and Israel against Iran, US President Donald Trump on Monday announced a temporary pause in military action, citing progress in diplomatic talks.
Posting on the social media platform Truth Social, the US President said that the US would halt all military operations against Iran for five days.
Trump, while describing ongoing engagements as "productive talks", further said that Washington may be moving toward de-escalation amid the ongoing diplomatic situation.
Trump's statements come in the wake of coordinated strikes carried out by the US and Israel targeting key Iranian military infrastructure, escalating fears of a broader regional conflict involving Gulf nations.
While taking it to TruthSocial, he wrote, "We are getting very close to meeting our objectives as we consider winding down our great military efforts in the Middle East with respect to the terrorist regime of Iran: completely degrading Iranian missile capability, launchers, and everything else pertaining to them."
He further emphasised that preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear capability remains a top priority, while also ensuring that the US maintains the ability to respond swiftly to any future threats.
Noting a detailed chronological sequence of the objectives achieved by the United States, Trump further highlighted, "Never allowing Iran to get even close to nuclear capability and always being in a position where the U.S.A. can quickly and powerfully react to such a situation should it take place."
Trump also reiterated Washington's commitment to protecting its regional allies, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Kuwait, alongside Israel.
Addressing the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz, Trump stated, "The Hormuz Strait will have to be guarded and policed, as necessary, by other Nations who use it - the United States does not! If asked, we will help these countries in their Hormuz efforts, but it shouldn't be necessary once Iran's threat is eradicated. Importantly, it will be an easy military operation for them. Thank you for your attention to this matter!"
Considering that the joint US-Israel operation and subsequent developments have already triggered global concerns over energy security and maritime stability, Trump's statement on Monday hints that the situation might get back to normal very soon.
