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, Citing Tehran’s Request
Donald Trump, the U.S. president, announced he is pushing back the deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz by 10 days, reportedly following a request from the Iranian government. In a post on his Truth Social platform, he emphasized that negotiations remain active, dismissing “incorrect reports” from media outlets that suggested otherwise.
Previously, Trump had given Iran 48 hours to restore access to the strategic waterway or face the destruction of its energy infrastructure. During a Cabinet meeting earlier this week, he asserted that Iran was not hesitant to engage in talks, despite its initial reluctance to the American proposal.
“Talks are ongoing and, despite erroneous statements to the contrary by the Fake News Media, and others, they are going very well,” he wrote in a post on his Truth Social platform.
Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, shared with the Cabinet that Tehran showed “strong signs” of readiness to negotiate an end to hostilities. This marked the first public confirmation that Washington had presented a 15-point “action list” to Iran via Pakistani officials. “We will see where things lead, and if we can convince Iran this is the inflection point with no good alternatives for them, other than more death and destruction,” Witkoff stated.
Trump himself told reporters: “I read a story today that I’m desperate to make a deal. I’m the opposite of desperate. I don’t care.” During a 90-minute televised session at the White House, he oscillated between threats to “obliterate” Iran and claims that the Islamic republic was nearing surrender.
“They want to make a deal. The reason they want to make a deal is they have been just beat to shit,” he said.
Trump also mentioned the possibility of U.S. control over Iran’s oil reserves, drawing a parallel to the arrangement with Venezuela after the ousting of Nicolás Maduro. “It’s an option,” he added.
Israeli Leaders Sound Alarm Over War’s Toll
Meanwhile, Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid raised concerns about the war’s impact, stating for the first time that the government was failing to support the military adequately. “The IDF is stretched to the limit and beyond. The government is leaving the army wounded out on the battlefield,” he warned.
Military chief Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir echoed this sentiment, noting that the government was sending troops into a multi-front conflict without a clear strategy or sufficient resources. In a televised briefing, military spokesman Brigadier General Effie Defrin highlighted the need for more combat soldiers on the Lebanese front, where additional forces are required to defend the forward zone.
Tehran’s Response to U.S. Proposals
Iran’s state news agency, Tasnim, reported that the country had formally submitted its response to the 15-point plan proposed by the U.S. last night through intermediaries. The reply, according to Tasnim, called for an end to U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran and its regional allies, including Hezbollah in Lebanon.
“War reparations should be paid and Iran’s ‘sovereignty’ over the Strait of Hormuz be respected,” the agency cited unnamed sources, highlighting conditions that extended Tehran’s demands beyond the U.S. initial proposal.
