Trump extends Iran Hormuz deadline by 10 days, cites 'very well' talks
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Washington: US President Donald Trump extended his deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz by 10 days to April 6, pausing "Energy Plant destruction" amid ongoing negotiations.
In a Thursday Truth Social post, Trump wrote: "As per Iranian Government request, please let this statement serve to represent that I am pausing the period of Energy Plant destruction by 10 Days to Monday, April 6, 2026, at 8 P.M., Eastern Time. Talks are ongoing and, despite erroneous statements to the contrary by the Fake News Media, and others, they are going very well."
Speaking to Fox News, Trump said Iran requested seven days but received ten, adding: "In a certain sense, we have already won." He urged Tehran to abandon nuclear ambitions or face escalation, claiming 10 oil tankers had passed through as a goodwill gesture.
The move follows a near-month-long war sparked by an Israeli strike killing Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. US and Israeli actions have eliminated dozens of Iranian leaders, including Revolutionary Guards naval commander Alireza Tangsiri in a Bandar Abbas strike. Israel reported hits near Isfahan's airbase and nuclear sites.
Iran denied begging for a deal and launched retaliatory missiles at Tel Aviv, Modi'in, Jerusalem, and Gulf targets, most intercepted. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi accused the US of "double standards" on X, citing Israel's Gaza blockade.
US Central Command's Adm. Brad Cooper called Tangsiri's death a blow to Iran's navy, vowing more strikes. Despite US claims of naval dominance, Iran retains mine-laying boats and shore-launched missiles.
Pakistan mediates via figures like parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, removed from Israel's hitlist. Trump's envoy Steve Witkoff presented a 15-point peace framework; Iran called it "one-sided" but continues talks, demanding attack halts, reparations, and Hormuz sovereignty.
Analysts see slim chances for agreement amid gaps. US troops mass in the region, eyeing Kharg Island. Iran's UN envoy warned ground invasion would be a "big mistake." Death toll: over 1,900 in Iran, 1,100 in Lebanon; Israel reports 18 dead.
Trump criticized NATO allies and called Iranians "great negotiators but lousy fighters," reiterating victory claims.