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 a 10-day extension to the deadline for Iran to reopen the strategic Strait of Hormuz, according to reports linked to a request from Tehran. In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump emphasized that negotiations were progressing despite media criticism, calling out “erroneous statements” from the Fake News Media.
Shift in US Position
Previously, Trump had threatened to dismantle Iran’s energy infrastructure if the country did not reopen the waterway within 48 hours. However, during a Cabinet meeting, he stated that Tehran was willing to engage in talks, even as the Islamic Republic showed a reserved stance toward the American proposal. His envoy, Steve Witkoff, confirmed that Washington had shared a 15-point “action list” with Iran via Pakistani officials, signaling a step toward resolution.
“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 said.
Trump also dismissed claims of desperation, telling 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 televised White House session, he oscillated between threatening to “obliterate” Iran and suggesting the nation 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.
Israeli Concerns and Military Needs
Meanwhile, Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid raised alarms about the war’s impact, stating the country’s government was overextending its military resources. “The IDF is stretched to the limit and beyond. The government is leaving the army wounded out on the battlefield,” he warned, aligning with earlier statements 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.
Israeli military spokesman Brigadier General Effie Defrin highlighted the need for additional combat forces on the Lebanese front, where the forward defensive zone requires more troops. The Iranian news agency Tasnim reported that Tehran had formally submitted its response to the US 15-point proposal the previous night, through intermediaries.
Tehran’s Demands
According to Tasnim, Iran’s reply called for an end to US and Israeli attacks on the country and its regional allies, including Lebanon’s Hezbollah. The response also demanded war reparations and the recognition of Iran’s sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz, setting conditions more expansive than those outlined in the US plan.
“Iran’s response to the 15 points proposed by the US was officially sent last night through intermediaries and Iran is awaiting the other side’s response,” the agency noted.
