Trump backs off threat after Iran's fierce response, no talks between two sides

TABNAK, Mar. 23 -  An informed source rejected any talks between Tehran and Washington amid the US-Israeli war of aggression against Iran, stressing that US President Donald Trump has backed off his threat to target Iran’s vital infrastructure after the Islamic Republic’s fierce response.

News ID: 7249

Date: 23 March 2026 - 19:23

Speaking to Tasnim on Monday, a senior security official said Trump has retreated in the face of credible military threats from Iran regarding attacks on critical infrastructure.

The source explained that pressures from financial markets and threats to bonds within the US and the West have increased, describing it as another significant factor for Trump’s retreat.

Since the beginning of the war until today, messages have been sent from a number of mediators to Tehran, with the clear response being that Iran will continue to defend itself until it achieves the necessary deterrence, the official stated.

No negotiations are ongoing or have taken place, the source emphasized, adding that with the current state of psychological warfare, neither the Strait of Hormuz will revert to pre-war conditions, nor will there be stability in energy markets.

Trump's five-day ultimatum means the continuation of the US regime's program of crimes against the Iranian people, the official warned, adding that Iran will continue its responses and broad defense of the country.

His comments came after Trump claimed in a post on Truth Social on Monday that “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.”

“Based on the tenor and tone of these in depth, detailed, and constructive conversations, which will continue throughout the week, I have instructed the Department of War to postpone any and all military strikes against Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure for a five day period, subject to the success of the ongoing meetings and discussions,” Trump said.

Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also rejected the US President's claims that talks are ongoing with Iran, saying that Trump aims to buy time for US military plans and reduce energy prices.

The Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced, "The US President's statements are within the framework of efforts to reduce energy prices and gain time to implement his military plans."
"There are initiatives by regional countries to de-escalate tensions, and our response to all of them is clear: We are not the party that started this war, and all these requests should be referred to Washington."

The US and the Israeli regime launched a large-scale unprovoked military campaign against Iran following the assassination of Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei, along with several senior military commanders and civilians on February 28.

The attacks have involved extensive aerial strikes on both military and civilian locations across Iran, causing significant casualties and widespread damage to infrastructure.

In response, the Iranian Armed Forces have carried out retaliatory operations, targeting American and Israeli positions in the occupied territories and at regional bases with waves of missiles and drones.