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 after request from Tehran
US President Donald Trump announced the extension of the deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz by an additional 10 days, according to a report indicating that Tehran had made a formal request. In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump highlighted that discussions were continuing, and he dismissed “erroneous statements” from the media, claiming the talks were progressing positively.
Previously, Trump had imposed a 48-hour ultimatum on Iran, threatening to dismantle its energy infrastructure if the country failed to clear the strategic waterway. During a Cabinet meeting on Thursday, he insisted that Iran was eager to negotiate, despite its initial reluctance. Steve Witkoff, Trump’s envoy, added that Washington had transmitted a 15-point “action list” to Tehran via Pakistani officials, marking the first public confirmation of this move.
“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 stated.
Trump also emphasized his confidence during a 90-minute televised session at the White House, oscillating between threats to “obliterate” Iran and claims that the Islamic republic was close to surrendering. “They want to make a deal. The reason they want to make a deal is they have been just beat to shit,” he remarked.
Meanwhile, Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid raised concerns about the war’s impact, stating that the country’s 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,” Lapid warned, aligning with earlier remarks from military chief Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir.
“The government is sending the army into a multi-front war without a strategy, without the necessary means and with far too few soldiers,” Lapid added.
In a separate televised briefing, Israeli military spokesman Brigadier General Effie Defrin noted the need for more combat soldiers on the Lebanese front, where the forward defensive zone required additional forces.
The Iranian news agency Tasnim reported that Tehran’s response to the US proposal was submitted through intermediaries the previous night. According to the agency, Iran’s reply demanded an end to attacks by the US and Israel on its territory and affiliated groups, including Lebanon’s Hezbollah. It also called for war reparations and the recognition of Iran’s sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz, setting conditions that surpassed the US’s initial plan.
