Donald Trump has set a deadline for potential destruction of Iran’s power plants if an agreement is not reached. The deadline extension for Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz has been pushed to April 6. Trump conveyed this message to Iran via social media. Iran has threatened retaliation by targeting power plants in neighboring countries and disrupting desalination plants critical for water supply in Gulf nations, which could lead to a humanitarian crisis in the region.
In a statement on Truth Social, Trump announced a pause in the destruction of energy plants until April 6, 2026, at 8 P.M. Eastern Time, citing ongoing positive talks despite misinformation from the media. Iranian state news agency Farsna refuted claims of requesting an extension and reiterated threats to close the Strait of Hormuz while considering power plants in nations hosting US bases as legitimate targets.
Amid reports of a US ceasefire request, Iran continued its strikes, prompting sirens in Israel warning of Iranian missile attacks. Gulf nations engaged in intercepting incoming fire, with heavy strikes reported in Iran’s capital and other cities. Despite significant damage to Iran’s military and government from US-Israeli actions, including top leadership casualties and numerous targeted sites, Iran persists in missile launches, with no signs of internal resistance.
The Iranian leadership’s strategy appears to focus on enduring the attacks to potentially force the US to retreat by exerting control over the vital Strait of Hormuz. This control has disrupted global oil and gas shipments, escalating energy prices and impacting international trade.