US President Donald Trump stated on March 23 that he would order the military to delay strikes on Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure for five days following a "productive" dialogue about a "complete cessation" of hostilities in the Middle East.

Trump also told CNBC that negotiations with Iranian authorities had been very intensive and that he still hopes to achieve substantial results.

"The US President stated that what is happening in Iran can be characterized as a regime change," he noted.

Trump's comments came shortly after he gave Iran 48 hours to reopen the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.