Trump Grants Iran 10-Day Extension on Energy Site Attack Deadline Amid Talks
President Donald Trump has once again extended his deadline for Iran to strike a deal with the United States, pushing back the threat of resumed attacks on Iranian energy sites by 10 days. In a social media post on Thursday, Trump announced the extension, citing it was made "as per Iranian Government request" and indicating that talks between the two nations are progressing "very well."
Second Extension Since Saturday's Threat
This move marks the second extension since Saturday, when Trump threatened to eviscerate Iran's power plants in the absence of a diplomatic agreement. The initial threat had sent shockwaves through global energy markets, with oil prices fluctuating amid the uncertainty. Trump specified that the pause in energy plant destruction would now last until Monday, April 6, 2026, at 8 P.M. Eastern Time.
In his statement, Trump criticized what he called "erroneous statements to the contrary by the Fake News Media" and reaffirmed his confidence in the negotiation process. The extension offers a brief period of calm for energy markets, which have been jolted by conflicting signals regarding the potential halt to the nearly month-long war.
Market Reactions and Economic Implications
Following Trump's announcement, financial markets showed immediate reactions. Emerging-market currencies and U.S. Treasuries pared losses, while the dollar pared gains against major peers. Oil prices, which had climbed earlier on Thursday with Brent crude settling near $108 a barrel, briefly pared gains in post-settlement trading after the deadline extension was revealed.
Traders remain unconvinced of a quick resolution, as shifting signals from the White House continue to create volatility. The global supply shock, driven by the closure of critical waterways like the Strait of Hormuz, underscores the urgency for a deal to reopen oil and gas flows.
Unclear Negotiation Partners and Iranian Conditions
It remains unclear who the U.S. is negotiating with, given that several top Iranian government and military officials have been killed in recent conflicts. In an interview with Fox News, Trump revealed that Iran had requested a seven-day reprieve, but he opted to grant them 10 days instead.
Iran confirmed through the Tasnim news agency on Thursday that it is awaiting a response after rejecting a U.S. 15-point plan to end the war. Tehran has presented its own conditions, which include:
- A guarantee that the U.S. and Israel will not resume attacks
- Payment of reparations for war damages
- Recognition of Iran's authority over the Strait of Hormuz
- An end to the war on all fronts, likely referencing Israel's parallel conflict with Hezbollah in Lebanon
Diplomatic Efforts and U.S. Demands
Special envoy Steve Witkoff confirmed during a Cabinet meeting earlier Thursday that the 15-point proposal had been delivered to Iran through Pakistani mediators. He described the talks as having led to "strong and positive messaging." According to sources familiar with the matter, the U.S. has compiled a list of a dozen demands alongside three points Iran would receive in return.
Trump is under significant pressure to persuade Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a critical step to alleviate the global supply shock. The ongoing negotiations, while extended, highlight the fragile state of international relations and the high stakes involved in resolving this conflict.
