US President Donald Trump has extended the deadline for potential strikes on Iran’s energy infrastructure by 10 days, saying the pause was made at Tehran’s request and that negotiations are progressing positively.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the halt would remain in place until April 6 at 8 pm Eastern Time. “As per Iranian Government request, I am pausing the period of Energy Plant destruction by 10 days,” he said, adding that talks are “going very well” despite contrary reports.
The move comes as diplomatic efforts to defuse the nearly month-long conflict intensify. US envoy Steve Witkoff indicated there are “strong signs” Iran may be open to negotiations, with a 15-point proposal already shared through intermediaries.
The deadline—initially a short ultimatum tied to reopening the Strait of Hormuz—has now been pushed back multiple times, signalling a shift towards negotiation even as military pressure continues.
However, there are conflicting accounts around the pause. While Trump said it was requested by Iran, mediators involved in the talks have indicated that Tehran has not formally sought such a delay and has yet to give a final response to the US proposal.
Iran’s reported response includes demands that go beyond the US offer, such as an end to US and Israeli strikes, reparations, and recognition of its authority over the Strait of Hormuz.
At the same time, Trump has continued to mix warnings with optimism, suggesting Iran is willing to strike a deal but only after facing sustained military pressure.
On the ground, concerns over escalation remain. Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid has warned that the conflict is straining Israel’s military capacity, while military officials have highlighted the need for additional troops as operations expand across multiple fronts.
