Iran says Trump’s delay of power plant strikes  tactical ploy

TEHRAN: Iran has criticized US President Donald Trump’s latest statement about postponing attacks on its power infrastructure, saying the claim appears aimed at lowering energy prices and buying time for US military planning.

In a statement, Tehran’s Foreign Ministry emphasized that measures exist to reduce tensions, but argued that Washington should initiate dialogue, noting, “We did not start this war.”

Iranian officials also suggested that Trump may be attempting to gain time before taking major action, calling his threats deceptive.

Earlier, US President Donald Trump on Monday announced a five-day postponement of any military strikes on Iranian power plants, just hours before a deadline that threatened to escalate the conflict into its fourth week.

Trump said on his Truth Social platform that the US and Iran had held “VERY GOOD AND PRODUCTIVE” talks over the past two days about a “COMPLETE AND TOTAL RESOLUTION OF HOSTILITIES IN THE MIDDLE EAST.”

Following Trump’s announcement, Iranian and Russian foreign ministers held direct talks.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov immediately called for a ceasefire, emphasizing that any resolution must consider the legitimate interests of all parties involved.

Trump reaffirmed his determination to reach an agreement with Iran, claiming negotiations could conclude in five days or less and asserting that Tehran is eager for a deal. He also described Iran’s current situation as akin to a regime-change scenario.

Amid the escalating tension, Pakistan, Turkey, and Egypt have reportedly acted as diplomatic intermediaries.

Senior officials from these countries held separate discussions with U.S. representatives, including diplomat Steve Otstkoff, and with Iran’s foreign minister. Turkey’s foreign minister also spoke by phone with his Iranian counterpart, addressing recent developments in the Middle East.

On Sunday evening, Germany’s Chancellor spoke with Trump, expressing concern over the situation and alerting him to potential threats to Iranian power plants. High-level diplomacy continues as global powers attempt to prevent escalation in the region.

Meanwhile, China on Monday called on all parties in the Middle East conflict, especially the US and Israel, to halt military operations, warning that continued hostilities could trigger a “vicious cycle” with serious regional and global consequences.

“The one who tied the bell must be the one to untie it,” said Chinese special envoy to the Middle East Zhai Jun, following a shuttle diplomacy tour through Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Kuwait.

Foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian added that the war should never have started and that the use of force would only worsen the situation. “If hostilities continue to spread and intensify, the entire region will be plunged into chaos,” he said.

China’s ministry recalled the lessons of the Iraq War 23 years ago, noting that the U.S.-led invasion caused massive suffering, regional instability, and the rise of terrorist groups. “The war 23 years later on Iran has caused severe losses to the Iranian people, and the spillover has affected the entire region,” it said.

China also warned of economic repercussions. The conflict and Iran’s partial closure of the Strait of Hormuz—through which one-fifth of global oil and LNG flows—have sparked the worst energy crisis since the 1970s, potentially weighing on China’s export-dependent economy.

Emerging markets, key buyers of Chinese goods, are particularly vulnerable to rising energy costs, while higher oil and gas prices could increase inflation and disrupt producer price trends, analysts said.

Lin emphasized that Beijing remains in communication with all parties and is committed to easing tensions and ensuring safe passage for Chinese vessels and shipments through the strait.