A high-ranking Iranian security official told the Iranian news agency Tasnim that US President Donald Trump “backed down from attacking vital infrastructure after Iranian military threats became credible.”
The official explained that “increased pressure on financial markets and the threat to bonds in America and the West was another important factor in this retreat.”
He also revealed that “since the beginning of the war until today, messages have been sent to Tehran through intermediaries, and the clear response has been that we will continue to defend ourselves until we achieve the necessary deterrence.”
Trump Backed Down After Iran’s Serious Warning
— Tasnim News Agency (@Tasnimnews_EN) March 23, 2026
A senior Iranian security official denied so-called talks with US President, citing Iran’s seriousness and the deterrent weight of its potential retaliation as the reason he abandoned plans to strike vital infrastructures. pic.twitter.com/2K5tP4SSLo
Commenting on Trump’s statements, the official said, “There were no negotiations underway, nor are there. With this kind of psychological warfare, the Strait of Hormuz will not return to its pre-war state, and calm will not return to the energy markets.” He added that “Trump’s five-day ultimatum means this regime will continue its program of crimes against the Iranian people, and we will continue to respond and defend the country extensively.”
The remarks come as Trump announced today that he had held “very good and productive talks with Iran over the past two days,” according to his claim.
In a statement contradicting the atmosphere he had created in the previous two days—when he gave the Islamic Republic a two‑day ultimatum to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face strikes on its power plants—Trump continued, “Our talks with Iran have been about reaching a complete and comprehensive solution to our hostilities in the Middle East.” He claimed that he had “ordered a five‑day postponement of all strikes against Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure,” adding, “In‑depth, detailed, and constructive talks with Iran will continue throughout this week”—a claim denied by the Iranians.
Source: Al-Manar English Website