Trump extends deadline for striking Iran's energy plants to April

DUBAI/TEL AVIV/WASHINGTON – U.S. President Donald Trump said he would extend the deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, warning that Tehran could face the destruction of its energy plants if it fails to comply. The announcement comes after Iran rejected a 15-point U.S. proposal to end the ongoing conflict, calling it unfair.

The four-week war has spread across the Middle East, killing thousands and triggering a spike in global energy prices, adding to inflation concerns worldwide.

The United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran on February 28 amid nuclear talks that had yet to produce a deal.

During a White House cabinet meeting on Thursday, Trump threatened to increase pressure on Iran if no agreement is reached. He later posted on social media that he would pause threatened attacks on Iranian energy facilities for 10 days, until April 6 at 8 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (0000 GMT on April 7).

“Talks are ongoing and, despite erroneous statements to the contrary by the Fake News Media, and others, they are going very well,” he said in a Truth Social post.

Iran has denied engaging in talks with Washington, and Trump has not identified the officials he is negotiating with, as many Iranian leaders have been killed during the conflict.

Previously, Trump had announced a five-day halt to all threatened strikes on power and energy infrastructure on March 23, which has now been extended to 10 days. He told Fox News’ The Five that Iran had requested a seven-day pause on such strikes.

There was no immediate reaction from Tehran. However, mediators cited by the Wall Street Journal said Iran did not request a 10-day pause. Iran has warned that it would resume strikes on Gulf energy facilities if U.S. threats continue.

The conflict has effectively blocked the Strait of Hormuz, which carries roughly 20% of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas, sending energy prices higher and unsettling financial markets. The risk of attacks on civilian infrastructure could further disrupt the region, affecting electricity and water supplies for millions.

Strikes Hit Residential Areas

Iranian media reported early Friday strikes on residential areas in Tehran, Qom, and Urumia. Three homes in the Pardisan area of Qom were hit, killing at least six people. In Tehran, Red Crescent rescue workers pulled a survivor from a collapsed building.

In Urmia, a housing complex was directly struck by missiles, killing and injuring several civilians while destroying at least four residential units. Emergency responders are continuing rescue operations.

The Israeli military reported striking ballistic missile production sites and air defense systems across Iran, including Tehran and western regions, aiming to degrade Iran’s missile capabilities and reduce threats to Israel.

Economic Impact

The war has severely disrupted shipping, causing crude oil prices to rise about 40%. Prices for liquefied natural gas and nitrogen-based fertilizers, essential for food production, have also surged, with fertilizers rising nearly 50%. Stock markets in the U.S., Europe, and Asia have fallen sharply as investors worry the conflict will continue.

“Many see the Iranian regime as holding the upper hand and doubt that there are indeed productive negotiations with the U.S. in process,” said Sean Callow, senior FX analyst at ITC Markets.

An Iranian official told Reuters that the 15-point U.S. proposal, conveyed via Pakistan, was reviewed by senior Iranian officials and the representative of Iran’s supreme leader. They concluded it served mainly U.S. and Israeli interests. The proposal reportedly demanded the dismantling of Iran’s nuclear program, restrictions on its missile program, and effective control over the Strait of Hormuz.

U.S. Military and Diplomatic Moves

Despite Trump’s positive statements, Iran continues to retaliate against U.S. and Israeli strikes, targeting Israel, U.S. bases, Gulf states, and blocking Middle East fuel exports via the Strait of Hormuz.

The United Arab Emirates has offered to join a multinational taskforce to reopen the strait, the Financial Times reported. Several U.S. allies, however, have no immediate plans to send ships to unblock the waterway.

Trump suggested that Iran allow 10 oil tankers, including some Pakistani-flagged vessels, to transit the strait as a goodwill gesture.

The Pentagon is reportedly considering sending up to 10,000 additional ground troops to the region. For the first time, the U.S. confirmed deploying uncrewed drone speedboats for patrols in the conflict zone.

The unfolding crisis continues to have major implications for energy markets, regional security, and international diplomacy.

-Reporting by Reuters bureaux; Writing by Stephen Coates and Lincoln Feast; Editing by Don Durfee, Matthew Lewis, and Michael Perry/Reuters