Trump announced on Thursday that he would extend the previous deadline for potential attacks on Iran’s power infrastructure. “As per Iranian Government request… I am pausing the period of Energy Plant destruction by 10 Days to Monday, April 6, 2026, at 8 P.M., Eastern Time,” he stated.

The development comes as the Iran-Israel conflict enters its second month, putting severe pressure on global energy markets. The crisis has centered on the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial route for nearly one-fifth of the world’s crude oil and liquefied natural gas.

US Diplomatic Efforts
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged the Group of Seven (G7) to support reopening the shipping route ahead of a foreign ministers’ meeting in France, highlighting the global economic risks of continued disruption.

Trump had previously issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Iran, threatening to destroy its energy infrastructure if the strait remained blocked, but has now extended the deadline twice.

Despite Iran’s lukewarm response, Trump insisted that negotiations are moving forward. “Talks are ongoing and, despite erroneous statements to the contrary by the Fake News Media, and others, they are going very well,” he wrote on Truth Social.

US envoy Steve Witkoff confirmed that Washington sent a 15-point proposal to Tehran via Pakistani intermediaries, adding: “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.”

Trump also noted that Iran allowed 10 oil tankers to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, signaling willingness to negotiate.

Iran’s Conditions
According to Tasnim News Agency, Iran has set firm conditions, including war reparations, recognition of its sovereignty over the Strait, and an end to US and Israeli military actions against its territory and allied groups such as Hezbollah. Tehran is reportedly awaiting Washington’s response to these proposals.

Escalating Regional Tensions
Meanwhile, the Israeli military reported a “wide-scale wave of strikes” on Iranian infrastructure in Tehran early Friday. In Lebanon, explosions shook southern Beirut following airstrikes targeting Hezbollah strongholds.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards claimed responsibility for missile and drone attacks on Israeli positions and US-linked military facilities in the Gulf. The conflict, which began on February 28 with joint US-Israeli airstrikes on Iran, has triggered a cycle of retaliatory attacks, disrupting shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

The energy crunch has prompted emergency measures globally. Japan is reportedly considering lifting restrictions on coal-fired power plants, while Vietnam temporarily suspended environmental taxes on fuel. The World Bank warned that prolonged disruption could have severe worldwide consequences.

At a televised White House briefing, Trump mixed optimism with renewed threats, suggesting the US could take control of Iran’s oil resources, drawing comparisons with past dealings in Venezuela.

Impact on Israel and Lebanon
In Israel, opposition leader Yair Lapid said the military is overstretched, criticizing the government for fighting a multi-front war without adequate planning. Military officials, including Eyal Zamir and spokesman Effie Defrin, also acknowledged the need for additional troops to secure southern Lebanon.

Lebanon, which entered the conflict on March 2 after Hezbollah launched rockets into Israel, condemned Israeli attacks and plans to petition the UN Security Council. On Friday, Hezbollah confirmed new rocket attacks into northern Israel, triggering air raid sirens and sending residents to shelters.