Trump gives Iran 10 days as Hormuz crisis pushes region to brink

US President Donald Trump has given Iran a fresh 10-day window to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, extending his earlier deadline to April 6 as diplomatic talks continue alongside intensifying military action.

In a post on Truth Social on Thursday, Trump said he would pause planned strikes on Iran’s energy infrastructure for 10 days, describing negotiations as progressing well.

He later said Iran had requested a shorter pause, but he chose a longer window, framing the move as part of ongoing efforts to reach a deal.

The extension comes as a near-month-long conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran continues to widen across the Middle East, with both sides maintaining pressure on the ground while keeping diplomatic channels open.

Talks continue despite widening conflict

Washington has pushed for a negotiated settlement even as it signals readiness to escalate if talks fail.

Trump has urged Tehran to abandon its nuclear and military ambitions, while also indicating uncertainty about whether an agreement can be reached.

US envoy Steve Witkoff has presented a 15-point framework for ending the conflict through intermediaries, including Pakistan.

Officials say there are signs Iran is willing to engage, although positions on both sides remain far apart.

Iran has criticised the proposal as unfair, insisting on conditions that include halting US and Israeli strikes, securing reparations, and recognising its authority over the Strait of Hormuz.

Strikes intensify across Iran and Israel

Military activity has continued alongside negotiations. Israel said it had killed Revolutionary Guards naval commander Alireza Tangsiri in a strike on Bandar Abbas, while further attacks were reported near key military sites in Isfahan.

Iran has responded with missile and drone attacks across Israel and the Gulf regions hosting US assets. Explosions were reported in multiple Israeli cities as air defence systems intercepted incoming strikes.

The conflict began with joint US and Israeli attacks in late February and has since expanded, drawing in several countries and triggering repeated cycles of retaliation.

Hormuz disruption raises energy concerns

The Strait of Hormuz remains central to the crisis. The waterway carries a significant share of global oil shipments, making any disruption a major risk to energy markets.

Trump said Iran had allowed several oil tankers to pass through the strait as a goodwill gesture during negotiations, although this has not been independently confirmed.

With shipping through Hormuz constrained, alternative export routes have gained importance, including Red Sea corridors.

However, risks remain that further escalation could disrupt these routes as well, particularly if regional groups become more directly involved.

Casualties rise as diplomacy faces hurdles

The war has resulted in thousands of casualties across Iran, Lebanon, and Israel, with widespread displacement reported in affected areas.

Despite ongoing talks, analysts say the gap between US and Iranian demands remains wide, making a quick resolution unlikely. Mediators have indicated that both sides continue to hold firm positions, even as negotiations proceed.

Trump has suggested that further military action remains an option if Iran does not comply, including potential strikes on critical infrastructure.

At the same time, the extended 10-day window signals that Washington is still pursuing a diplomatic path, even as the conflict deepens.