Trump pauses strikes on Iran energy sector until April 6, says talks 'going very well'

New Delhi: Amid escalating regional violence, US President Donald Trump on Thursday   said that he was extending a pause on Iran's energy infrastructure for 10 days, until Monday, April 6, while claiming backchannel diplomacy is making progress.

The development comes amid escalating Middle East conflict, fresh Israeli strikes inside Iran. 

What did Trump say?

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the pause followed a request from Tehran, even as his administration continued to issue sharp warnings and press Iran over the Strait of Hormuz and broader war-related demands.

Taking to Truth Social on Thursday, Donald Trump said he was extending the pause on attacks targeting Iran's power plants by another 10 days. 

"As per Iranian Government request, please let this statement serve to represent that I am pausing the period of Energy Plant destruction by 10 Days to Monday, April 6, 2026, at 8 PM, Eastern Time," Trump wrote. 

Trump also said that negotiations were progressing despite what he described as misleading reports.

"Talks are ongoing and, despite erroneous statements to the contrary by the Fake News Media, and others, they are going very well," he said.

When was Trump's last warn?

Last Saturday, Donald Trump had imposed a 48-hour ultimatum, demanding Iran to reopen the crucial Strait of Hormuz to oil tankers or face destruction of its energy facilities. That deadline has now been pushed back twice.

According to the latest development,  Washington is still leaving space for diplomacy. 

Even though Trump publicly rejects suggestions that he is eager for a quick settlement to the conflict.

Did US send 15-point proposal?

During a cabinet meeting, Donald Trump's envoy Steve Witkoff revealed that the US had formally sent a 15-point "action list" to Iran through Pakistani intermediaries.

"We will see where things lead, and if we can convince Iran that this is the inflection point with no good alternatives for them, other than more death and destruction," Witkoff said.

Witkoff also said there were "strong signs" that Iran may be willing to engage.