Trump extends Iran deadline by five days and claims ‘productive’ talks

Trump extends Iran deadline by five days and claims ‘productive’ talks

President Donald Trump announced an extension of the five-day deadline to target Iran’s energy infrastructure, citing “productive” talks between the US and Tehran. The original ultimatum, set for 48 hours, aimed to force Iran to allow unimpeded shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Trump’s decision, shared on Truth Social, followed Iran’s warning to strike US bases and critical facilities in the region, escalating tensions in the ongoing conflict.

Fars news agency, affiliated with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, dismissed the claim of negotiations, stating no direct or indirect communication had occurred with Washington. The state-run IRNA newspaper echoed this, reporting that Iran’s foreign ministry confirmed no talks had taken place. Despite this, Trump insisted that military strikes against Iran’s power plants would be postponed for five days, contingent on the success of ongoing discussions.

Iranian state television displayed a graphic labeling the extension as a “backdown” by the US after Tehran’s firm warning. Analysts noted the challenge of reopening the Strait of Hormuz through military action alone, given the strategic importance of the waterway for global oil and LNG trade. The closure had already triggered a plunge in stock markets, with oil prices stabilizing slightly following Trump’s revised timeline.

Oman, along with Turkey, Egypt, and Pakistan, has been actively mediating to halt hostilities. Oman’s foreign minister, Badr Albusaidi, emphasized efforts to ensure safe passage through the strait. Meanwhile, the United Arab Emirates reported intercepting Iranian missiles targeting southern Israel, a key development in the escalating conflict. Over 2,000 individuals were reportedly affected by the attacks, though the exact casualties remain under review.

“We have had, over the last two days, very good and productive conversations,” Trump stated in his post, instructing the Department of War to delay strikes. He claimed Iran’s military capabilities were “all gone,” including its navy, air force, and radar systems, leaving the country vulnerable to US retaliation.

Iran, however, remained defiant, vowing to “irreversibly destroy” essential infrastructure in the Middle East if the US proceeded with its threat. This includes vital water systems, power plants supplying US military bases, and energy facilities with American investments. The Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, pledged a “retaliation on all fronts” after Iranian missiles struck Israel, raising fears of further escalation.

Since the war began, Iran has demanded a ceasefire, insisting on an end to US military presence in the Gulf and compensation for damages. While Trump’s extension temporarily eased the crisis, the strategic ambiguity surrounding Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile continues to fuel concerns about the conflict’s long-term impact on global energy security.