Trump extends Iran deadline by five days and claims ‘productive’ talks
Trump extends Iran deadline by five days and claims ‘productive’ talks
President Trump has pushed back the deadline for Iran by five days, setting a new timeline for potential strikes on the nation’s power stations and energy facilities. His decision, announced via a post on Truth Social, came amid claims that discussions between the US and Iran had been “very good and productive,” though no immediate official response from Tehran was reported. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-linked Fars news agency disputed the notion of talks, stating that Iran had not engaged in direct or indirect communication with the US. Meanwhile, the state-owned IRNA newspaper noted that the Iranian foreign ministry confirmed no negotiations had occurred.
Oman, Turkey, Egypt, and Pakistan have reportedly participated in recent efforts to broker an end to the ongoing conflict. However, the effectiveness of these diplomatic initiatives remains uncertain. Oman’s foreign minister, Badr Albusaidi, highlighted the country’s commitment to ensuring safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime route for global oil and liquefied natural gas. The strait, which accounts for roughly a fifth of worldwide oil transit, has been effectively closed by Iranian attacks, triggering a sharp decline in stock markets and economic anxiety.
Trump’s initial ultimatum, issued on Sunday, demanded a 48-hour window for Iran to allow unimpeded shipping through the strait or face destruction of its energy infrastructure. In response, Iran vowed to target power plants supporting US military bases, vital desalination systems, and intensify strikes on Israel. Fars news agency cited an anonymous source stating that Trump had withdrawn his threat after learning Iran would strike all power plants in western Asia. Iranian state television displayed a graphic asserting, “US president backs down following Iran’s firm warning.”
The extension of Trump’s deadline followed a major Iranian missile attack on southern Israel, which injured over 100 people and marked the most severe strike since the conflict began. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pledged retaliation across multiple fronts. Tehran’s stance remained defiant, declaring it would “irreversibly destroy” essential Middle Eastern infrastructure, including water systems, if the US proceeded with strikes. The nation also warned of targeting power plants supplying electricity to American bases, as well as energy and industrial facilities with US investments.
“We like it that way,” Trump added, despite acknowledging the absence of a clear interlocutor in Iran. He further claimed, “Their navy’s gone. Their air force is gone. Their anti-aircraft is gone. It’s all gone. Their radar is gone. Their leaders are gone.”
Analysts suggest the US may struggle to restore the Strait of Hormuz’s full functionality through military action alone. Concerns persist over Iran’s enriched uranium stockpiles, whose location remains unclear. Publicly, Tehran has demanded a ceasefire that would require Washington to withdraw its military presence from the Gulf and provide substantial compensation for wartime damages.
