Iran’s state-aligned media reacted sharply after US President Donald Trump announced a pause on strikes targeting Iran’s power infrastructure. The decision, which includes a five-day window without attacks, was portrayed by Iranian outlets as a sign of hesitation and retreat by the United States.

Reports suggest that Tehran sees this move as validation of its strategy of deterrence, rather than a step towards negotiations.

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Iran media calls pause a ‘backdown’

Several Iranian media outlets mocked the decision. Press TV reported that there has been no contact with the US for talks, either directly or indirectly.

According to the report, a senior security official claimed Trump withdrew from possible talks due to Iran’s strong military posture and increasing financial pressure on the US and its allies. The official also said that the five-day pause does not signal peace but indicates that further conflict could continue, with Iran ready to respond strongly.

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Press TV described the move as another instance of Trump having “backed down again,” while Ebrahim Rezaei said on X (formerly Twitter), “Trump and America have backed down again. The field is still charging forward. Another defeat for the devil.”

‘Bluff’ and ‘retreat’

Mehr News called Trump’s threat a “bluff,” suggesting that recent attacks and Iran’s response forced the US to reconsider its strategy.

Tehran Times went further, calling Trump’s approach a retreat disguised as diplomacy. Meanwhile, state broadcaster IRIB linked the pause directly to Iran’s military warnings, claiming the US stepped back because Iran had put key regional infrastructure at risk.

IRIB (Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting) also referred to earlier developments, including the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and strikes on energy-related targets, to argue that Iran’s pressure tactics were effective.

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Despite the pause, there appears to be little progress towards actual negotiations. Iranian media made no mention of any “productive conversations” that Trump had suggested.