United States’ President Donald Trump has extended the deadline for Iran to reach an agreement to end the ongoing conflict, warning that failure to comply could result in attacks on its energy infrastructure, even as Tehran rejected the proposal as “unfair.”
The conflict, now in its fourth week, has expanded across the Middle East, leaving thousands dead and triggering sharp increases in global energy prices, raising fears of inflation worldwide.
The United States and Israel began coordinated strikes on Iran on February 28 after negotiations over Tehran’s nuclear programme collapsed without agreement.
During a cabinet meeting on Thursday, Trump signalled he could escalate pressure if Iran did not engage in a deal. In a subsequent social media post, he said he would delay any attacks on Iranian energy facilities for 10 days, setting a new deadline of April 6, 2026 at 2000 EDT (0000 GMT on April 7).
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“Talks are ongoing and, despite erroneous statements to the contrary by the Fake News Media, and others, they are going very well,” he said.
Despite Trump’s remarks, Iran has denied participating in direct negotiations with Washington, and the U.S. president has not clarified who represents Tehran in the talks, particularly as several senior Iranian officials have been killed during the conflict.
Earlier, on March 23, Trump had announced a five-day pause on strikes targeting power plants and energy facilities, which has now been extended to 10 days.
According to the Wall Street Journal, Iran did not request the extended pause. However, Trump told Fox News’ “The Five” that Tehran had sought a seven-day halt in attacks. Iranian authorities have yet to respond publicly to that claim.
Tehran has warned it would retaliate against energy targets across the Gulf if the United States proceeds with its threats, raising concerns over further disruption to civilian infrastructure and regional economies dependent on electricity and water supplies.
The war has significantly disrupted global trade routes and energy supplies. Oil prices have surged by about 40%, liquefied natural gas costs have spiked, and nitrogen-based fertiliser prices — vital for agriculture — have risen by roughly 50%.
Financial markets reacted sharply, with the Nasdaq falling more than 2% on Thursday to confirm a correction, while Brent crude climbed above $105 per barrel amid fading hopes for a swift resolution.
Iran has continued to respond militarily to U.S. and Israeli strikes, targeting Israel, American bases, and Gulf states. It has also effectively halted fuel shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical passageway responsible for roughly 20% of global oil and LNG transport.
Trump said Iran allowed 10 oil tankers to pass through the strait as a gesture of goodwill, including vessels flying Pakistan’s flag.
He warned that the United States would become Iran’s “worst nightmare” if it failed to meet U.S. demands, which include reopening the Strait of Hormuz and ending its nuclear programme. He also suggested that taking control of Iran’s oil resources remained a possibility, without elaborating.
Meanwhile, the Pentagon is considering deploying up to 10,000 additional ground troops to the region, according to the Wall Street Journal. The U.S. military has also confirmed the use of uncrewed drone speedboats in active operations against Iran.
Iran rejects U.S. proposal
An Iranian official said a 15-point proposal presented by Washington through Pakistan had been thoroughly reviewed by senior officials and a representative of Iran’s supreme leader, but was deemed to favour only U.S. and Israeli interests.
Still, the official indicated that diplomatic efforts were ongoing.
The proposal reportedly includes provisions requiring Iran to dismantle its nuclear programme, limit its missile capabilities, and relinquish effective control over the Strait of Hormuz.
Pakistan’s foreign minister confirmed that “indirect talks” were underway via intermediaries, with Turkey and Egypt also involved in mediation efforts.
Since the conflict began, Iran has hardened its position, demanding assurances against future military action, compensation for damages, and formal control over the strategic strait. It has also insisted that Lebanon be included in any ceasefire arrangement.
Continued strikes
Hostilities persisted on Thursday, with Iran launching multiple missile barrages targeting Israeli cities including Tel Aviv and Haifa, as well as a Palestinian town in central Israel.
Israel’s military said at least one ballistic missile struck Tel Aviv, while others carried cluster munitions that caused widespread damage to homes and vehicles.
In northern Israel, a man was killed in Nahariya following a rocket attack by Hezbollah, according to emergency services.
Within Iran, strikes hit Bandar Abbas and areas near Shiraz, while a university building in Isfahan was reportedly damaged. In Qom, at least six people were killed when three residential buildings were struck, according to the semi-official Fars news agency.
(REUTERS)
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