Kurdish Policy Analysis

  Erbil, March 23, 2026 | By Pshtiwan Faraj In a surprising shift, U.S. President Donald Trump said he has ordered a delay in planned military strikes on Iran’s energy infrastructure after what he described as “very good and productive conversations” with Tehran. The announcement comes at a critical moment, just as a 48-hour ultimatum issued by Trump was set to expire — a deadline that had raised fears of imminent U.S. military action and further escalation in the Middle East. A Sudden Pause After Heightened Tensions Trump said the U.S. military has been instructed to postpone any strikes for five days, depending on the progress of ongoing discussions with Iran. He added that both sides have been engaged in talks aimed at achieving what he called a “complete and total resolution of hostilities” across the Middle East. The shift marks a notable change in tone following days of escalating rhetoric, including warnings that the U.S. could target Iranian power plants if Tehran did...

Trump Says U.S. Delays Planned Strikes on Iran After Talks on Ending Hostilities Erbil, March 23, 2026 | By Pshtiwan Faraj WASHINGTON/TEHRAN — U.S. President Donald Trump said he has ordered the military to postpone planned strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure following two days of what he described as “very good and productive conversations” with Tehran. In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the suspension would last for five days and remain contingent on the outcome of ongoing discussions between the two sides. Washington and Tehran have been engaged in talks, according to Trump, focused on what he described as a “complete and total resolution of our hostilities in the Middle East.” Shift After Ultimatum The announcement comes just days after Trump issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Iran, warning that the United States would “obliterate” Iranian power plants if Tehran did not lift what he called an effective blockade on the Strait of Hormuz. That deadline was set to expire later on ...