Trump delays attacks on Iran's energy infrastructure

US President Donald Trump has announced that he is postponing planned attacks on Iran's energy infrastructure after what he described as constructive talks between the United States and Iran. Discussions are set to continue over the coming week.

Trump also ordered a five-day pause on any military action against Iranian power plants, with further decisions depending on the outcome of the discussions.

His announcement follows Iranian threats to target Israeli power facilities and sites supplying US bases in the Persian Gulf.

As recently as Saturday, Trump warned that Iran's energy infrastructure would be destroyed if Tehran did not open the Strait of Hormuz to shipping within 48 hours. Iranian attacks have effectively closed the strategic waterway, through which a large share of the world's oil and gas is transported.

Financial markets responded swiftly to Trump's announcement, with the dollar weakening and stocks strengthening. The conflict between the US, Israel and Iran, which began on 28 February, has already unsettled global markets, driving up fuel prices and sparking inflation concerns. More than 2,000 people are believed to have been killed.

(reuters, max)