The US and Israel carried out joint strikes on several key Iranian sites on February 28. Iran retaliated by striking sites across the Middle East, plunging the region into conflict. Energy infrastructure has been targeted by both sides, driving up fuel prices and sparking panic in markets.

In a post on his social media site Truth Social on Monday, March 23, Mr Trump said that the US and Iran had, over the last two days, “very good and productive conversations” about the resolution of hostilities in the Middle East.

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“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.”

The post was writted in all caps.

A man in his 20s, who resides in capital Tehran, told BBC Persian that it will be very costly for Iranians.

“Whether the Islamic Republic remains or realises that it is on its last legs, it will increase the cost to the Iranian people as much as possible,” the man said.

A woman in her 40s, also from Tehran, said she believes Trump wants to give the Iranian leadership “another ultimatum”.

“If they don’t open up the Strait of Hormuz, he will strike because he wants to put pressure on them, either by capturing Kharg Island or by attacking them on land,” she said.

A woman, in her 20s, in the north of the country, said: “Did you see Trump’s new message? It’s driving us crazy.”