Trump Extends Iran Strike Pause by 10 Days as Strait of Hormuz Crisis Continues

preCharge News POLITICS — President Donald Trump on Thursday said he was extending an ongoing pause in attacking Iran’s energy facilities by 10 days, pushing the deadline to April 6 at the request of the Iranian government.

Trump’s move avoids escalating the war at a time when the United States has signaled it is seeking a negotiated resolution, even as the Strait of Hormuz remains nearly closed to oil shipments.

“As per Iranian Government request, please let this statement serve to represent that I am pausing the period of Energy Plant destruction,” Trump said in a Truth Social post.

“Talks are ongoing … and they are going very well.”

Extension Follows Initial Five-Day Pause

The original five-day pause on U.S. strikes targeting Iran’s power plants and energy infrastructure was set to expire Friday. Trump first announced that temporary halt earlier in the week.

Trump Cites Iranian Request and Oil Tanker Movement

Trump said Iran had asked for a shorter extension but he opted for a longer delay.

“The Iranians asked me” for the extension, Trump said in a Fox News interview.

Strait of Hormuz Shipments Used as Leverage

He said Iran requested a one-week pause, but he extended it to 10 days “because they gave me ships.”

Trump was referring to his claim that Iran allowed 10 oil tankers to pass through the Strait of Hormuz as a gesture toward the United States.

The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the most critical global energy chokepoints, handling roughly 20% of the world’s oil supply under normal conditions.

Iran Denies Direct Talks Despite U.S. Claims

While Trump has repeatedly pointed to “substantial talks” with Iran, Tehran has denied that any direct negotiations are taking place.

This contradiction continues to fuel uncertainty over whether a diplomatic breakthrough is actually underway.

Diplomatic Uncertainty Keeps Markets on Edge

The conflicting narratives from Washington and Tehran have left global markets volatile, with investors reacting to both the possibility of peace and the risk of renewed escalation.

Oil Prices Surge as Strait of Hormuz Remains Disrupted

The war, which began on Feb. 28 with U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran, has severely disrupted global energy flows.

Iran’s effective shutdown of shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has driven sharp increases in oil prices.

Markets React to Ongoing Energy Crisis

Brent crude oil rose more than 5.6%, closing at $108.01 per barrel
The S&P 500 dropped 1.74%, its largest decline of 2026
Energy market volatility remains elevated

The disruption underscores the global economic impact of the conflict, particularly for countries reliant on Middle Eastern oil exports.

U.S. Signals Preference for Negotiated End to Conflict

Trump emphasized earlier Thursday that the U.S. is engaged in “very substantial talks” regarding Iran, reinforcing the administration’s stated preference for diplomacy over prolonged military action.

Temporary Pause May Shape Next Phase of War

The 10-day extension could serve as a critical window for negotiations, potentially determining whether the conflict de-escalates or intensifies further.