Trump Extends Iran’s Hormuz Deadline, Hints at ‘Productive’ Talks as Tehran Denies
US President Donald Trump announced that he had postponed strikes against Iran’s power plants for five days, hours ahead of a deadline over reopening the Strait of Hormuz set to expire at 11:44 pm (GMT) Monday, amid what he described as “productive conversation” with Tehran.
However, Iranian state media denied any direct or indirect communication with the US, saying that Trump had retreated after Iran’s threats of strong retaliation.
Deadline Extended
In a post on Truth Social, written in capital letters, Trump said that the US and Iran held productive talks to end the Middle East conflict.
“I am pleased to report that the United States of America, and the country of Iran, have had, over the last two days, very good and productive conversations regarding a complete and total resolution of our hostilities in the Middle East,” he wrote.
Trump added that US-Iran talks will continue over the week, announcing a five-day extension of the previous deadline.
“I have instructed the Department of War to postpone any and all military strikes against Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure for a five day period, subject to the success of the ongoing meetings and discussions,” he noted.
Hormuz Ultimatum
On Saturday, Trump had given Iran a 48-hour ultimatum to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or the US “will hit and obliterate” Iranian power plants.
This warning has prompted Iran’s Revolutionary Guards to threaten attacks against Israel’s power plants as well as regional power plants supplying US bases with electricity in retaliation if Trump followed through his threat.
Iranian Denial
Following Trump’s recent announcement, the Fars and Tasnim news agencies, closely tied to Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, said that the US President “backed down” after “Iran’s firm warning.”
Furthermore, they dismissed Trump‘s claims about negotiations with Tehran, denying any direct or indirect talks with Washington.
“Since the start of the war, messages have been sent to Tehran by some mediators, but Iran’s clear response has been that it will continue its defense until the required level of deterrence is achieved,” Tasnim Agency said.
“No negotiations have taken place and none are underway. … With this kind of psychological warfare, neither the Strait of Hormuz will return to prewar conditions nor will calm return to energy markets,” it added.
