US President Donald Trump has extended a pause on planned military strikes against Iranian energy infrastructure by 10 days, saying discussions with Tehran are ongoing despite conflicting signals from Iran.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the pause—originally announced earlier this week for five days—will now run until 6 April at 8 PM Eastern Time. He added the extension was made “at the request of the Iranian government” and insisted talks were progressing well.
“As per Iranian Government request, please let this statement serve to represent that I am pausing the period of Energy Plant destruction by 10 Days to Monday, April 6, 2026, at 8 P.M., Eastern Time.
“Talks are ongoing and, despite erroneous statements to the contrary by the Fake News Media, and others, they are going very well. Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DONALD J. TRUMP”
The White House has not released details of the discussions, but US special envoy Steve Witkoff said a 15-point peace proposal had been delivered to Iran via intermediaries.
Iran has not officially confirmed negotiations. Earlier statements reported by state media emphasised Tehran’s position that it retains a “natural and legal right” to control the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic waterway through which roughly one-fifth of global oil supplies typically pass.
Meanwhile, Iran’s state-aligned Tasnim news agency, citing an unnamed military source, reported that more than one million personnel have been mobilised to respond to any potential US incursion, following what it described as a “massive influx” of young volunteers.
Fighting continues across the region
Despite the US pause on energy-related strikes, hostilities across the Middle East are ongoing.
Israel says it has carried out multiple air strikes on sites in western Iran, targeting missile and air defence infrastructure.
Meanwhile, exchanges of fire involving Israel and Lebanon have continued, with Lebanese authorities reporting more than 1,100 deaths and large-scale displacement since the conflict began.
In northern Israel, emergency services reported one fatality and several injuries following a missile strike, while in Abu Dhabi two people were killed by debris from an intercepted missile.
Strait of Hormuz remains central to tensions
The Strait of Hormuz remains a key point of contention. Iran has effectively restricted access to the route during the conflict, contributing to concerns over global energy supplies.
Trump said Iran had recently allowed 10 oil tankers to transit the strait, describing it as a sign of goodwill, though this has not been independently verified.
Markets react to geopolitical developments
Financial markets have reflected ongoing uncertainty.
Oil prices, which had risen amid concerns over supply disruption, fell slightly after news of the extended pause. Brent crude had earlier traded around $108 per barrel before easing.
US stock markets declined, with the NASDAQ Composite falling about 2.4%, entering correction territory, while the S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Average also posted losses.
Unclear diplomatic outlook
The extension of the pause signals a potential opening for diplomacy, but the broader situation remains volatile.
While US officials describe talks as active, Iran has publicly downplayed or denied such negotiations. At the same time, military activity across the region continues, and key issues—including control of the Strait of Hormuz—remain unresolved.
The coming days are likely to determine whether the pause leads to further de-escalation or a resumption of strikes.
