New Delhi, Updated Apr 06, 2026 — US President Donald Trump late Sunday appeared to push back by 24 hours a public deadline for Iran to allow passage through the Strait of Hormuz or face strikes on infrastructure.
In a brief Truth Social post, Trump wrote, “Tuesday, 8:00 P.M. Eastern Time!” — about 5:30 a.m. IST on Wednesday — with no additional context. US media and wire services interpreted the timing as an extension of a deadline that had been set to expire on Monday. On Fox News, Trump added, “I think there is a good chance tomorrow, they are negotiating now.”
Earlier this week he issued a profanity-laden warning on Truth Social demanding that Iran permit ships to transit and threatening further attacks on Iranian energy and transport infrastructure. In that post he said, among other things, that “Tuesday will be power plant day, and bridge day, all wrapped up in one,” and included the phrase, “Praise be to Allah.”
Iran has rejected demands to reopen the strait without a formal framework and has sought compensation for damage to civilian infrastructure it says resulted from recent fighting. Tehran has effectively restricted traffic through the Strait of Hormuz since the start of the US‑Israeli bombing campaign on February 28. Roughly one‑fifth of the world’s oil supply moves through that waterway.
Regional diplomacy continued this weekend. Oman and Iran held deputy foreign minister–level talks on Saturday to explore measures to safeguard maritime transit; Tehran has previously said it is coordinating with Oman to monitor traffic in the strait. Separately, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty held calls with US special envoy Steve Witkoff, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, and foreign ministers from Turkey and Pakistan to discuss proposals aimed at calming the situation. Abdelatty warned the group of the risk of an “unprecedented explosion” across the Middle East if tensions escalate.
The unfolding diplomatic and military developments leave the immediate future of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz uncertain, with global energy markets and regional stability watching for any concrete moves before the newly signaled Tuesday deadline.
