Trump extends deadline for Iran to open Strait of Hormuz, reportedly after request from Tehran
Trump Extends Deadline for Iran to Open Strait of Hormuz, Reportedly Following Request from Tehran
President Donald Trump announced he has pushed back the deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz by 10 days, according to sources. This move, described as a response to Tehran’s request, comes amid ongoing diplomatic efforts between the two nations. In a statement posted on his Truth Social platform, Trump emphasized that negotiations remain active, countering reports of setbacks by the media. “Talks are continuing, and despite misleading claims from the Fake News Media and others, the situation is progressing favorably,” he wrote.
“They want to make a deal. The reason they want to make a deal is they have been just beat to shit,” Trump said during a televised meeting at the White House, oscillating between threats of military action and claims of Iran’s impending surrender.
Earlier, Trump had set a 48-hour ultimatum for Iran to restore access to the critical waterway, warning that failure would result in the destruction of its energy infrastructure. During a Cabinet meeting on Thursday, he dismissed concerns about desperation, insisting that Iran was eager to negotiate despite its initial hesitation. Trump’s representative, Steve Witkoff, confirmed that Washington had presented Tehran with a 15-point “action list” through Pakistani intermediaries, signaling a shift in the strategic approach.
“We will see where things lead, and if we can convince Iran that this is the inflection point with no good alternatives for them, other than more death and destruction,” Witkoff remarked.
Meanwhile, Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid raised alarms about the war’s toll, stating that the government was overextending its military forces. “The IDF is stretched to the limit and beyond. The government is leaving the army wounded out on the battlefield,” he warned, echoing sentiments from military chief Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, who had expressed similar concerns the day prior. Israeli military spokesman Brigadier General Effie Defrin noted the need for additional combat troops on the Lebanese front.
Iranian news agency Tasnim reported that Tehran had submitted its formal response to the U.S. proposal, delivered via intermediaries. The reply, according to an unnamed official, demanded an end to attacks on Iran and its regional allies, including Lebanon’s Hezbollah. It also called for war reparations and the recognition of Iran’s sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz, conditions that exceeded the scope of Washington’s initial plan.
