Washington extends deadline to Monday
US President Donald Trump has extended his Iran ultimatum by six days, demanding the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, warning that failure to comply could result in strikes on Iran’s energy infrastructure. Trump insisted that talks with Tehran, which recently faced new Israeli air raids, “are going very well.”
Diplomatic pressure at G7
Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in France for the second day of the G7 summit, aiming to push allies to support securing safe passage through the strategic Gulf waterway, critical for global hydrocarbon trade.
Trump threatened to target Iran’s power plants, “starting with the largest,” to ensure uninterrupted maritime passage. However, at Tehran’s request, he extended the deadline “until Monday, April 6, 8:00 PM Washington time” before ordering any strikes.
Oil markets respond
The extension brought slight relief to oil markets. Brent crude, a North Sea benchmark, fell to around $107 per barrel, still over 40% higher than before the conflict began. Trump noted that Iran is currently allowing “ten ships” per day to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.
Contrasting narratives from Tehran
While Trump maintains that negotiations are progressing well, Tehran refuses to call them “talks.” An unnamed source from Tasnim News Agency said Iran has officially responded to the US 15-point plan, presenting its own conditions and awaiting a counter-response.
Regional attacks escalate
Amid the standoff, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards reportedly launched early-morning missile and drone attacks targeting military and energy facilities in Israel and Gulf states, according to FARS News Agency.
Israel responded with “a wide wave of strikes” targeting Iranian infrastructure in the heart of Tehran. Earlier, strong explosions were reported in southern Beirut, Lebanon, an area linked to the Iranian-backed Hezbollah movement.
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