Trump Orders 5-Day Strike Moratorium as US Eyes Kharg Island Assault

President Donald Trump has ordered a 5-day pause in planned military strikes against Iranian energy infrastructure. Nearly 5,000 US troops, sailors, and marines are being rushed into the Persian Gulf amid preparations for a potential operation against Iran’s Kharg Island.

In a post on Trump revealed he had instructed the Department of War (formerly the Pentagon) 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.”  

He described the talks as “very good and productive” and expressed hope for a “total and complete resolution” of hostilities in the Middle East.

• Trump orders strike pause amid Kharg Island tension buildup
• US deploys forces as Iran conflict risks escalate in Gulf
• Oil markets react as Hormuz crisis deepens geopolitical strain

The announcement comes after nearly four weeks of escalating conflict. Iran has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz — the narrow waterway through which nearly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply passes — creating massive pressure on global oil prices.

Trump had previously issued a short ultimatum demanding Iran reopen the strait or face severe consequences, including strikes on its energy infrastructure.

At the center of the tension lies Kharg Island, a small coral outcrop located about 25-55 kilometers off Iran’s southwestern coast. Despite its modest size, Kharg Island serves as the beating heart of Iran’s oil economy. Roughly 90-94% of the country’s crude oil exports flow through its terminals, storage tanks, pipelines, and loading jetties.

On March 13, US warplanes carried out selective airstrikes on military radars and defensive batteries on Kharg Island while deliberately sparing the oil terminals. Trump called it one of the most powerful bombing raids in recent Middle East history — a clear warning shot: reopen the Strait of Hormuz or risk losing your most valuable economic asset.

Now, reports suggest the US is preparing for something far more ambitious. A contingent of approximately 4,500 sailors and marines, supported by helicopters, F-35 jets, and armored landing vehicles, has been dispatched to the region.

Iranian officials have dismissed claims of serious negotiations and warned of harsh retaliation. They threaten to strike US bases in Bahrain, Qatar, and the UAE, as well as civilian infrastructure such as ports, refineries, and desalination plants across the Gulf if American forces attempt to seize the island.

The 5-day pause has raised questions whether it is a genuine window for diplomacy or simply time to position additional forces for a possible assault on Kharg Island. Global oil prices remain volatile, reacting sharply to every headline.

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As the clock ticks on this temporary reprieve, the coming days will be critical for energy markets and regional stability.