Trump Extends Pause on Strikes Against Iran as Negotiations Continue
Washington D.C. – President Donald Trump announced an extension of the pause on potential strikes against Iranian energy plants until April 6, 2026, at 8 P.M. Eastern Time, citing a request from the Iranian government. This extension comes after a previous five-day pause that was set to expire on Saturday.
“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 P.M., Eastern Time,” Trump stated on his Truth Social platform. He further asserted that talks with Iran are “going very well,” despite what he characterized as “erroneous statements” from the media. CBS News
U.S. Presents 15-Point Peace Plan
The extension follows the presentation of a 15-point peace proposal to Iran by U.S. Special envoy Steve Witkoff. Witkoff indicated that Iran appears to be “looking for an offramp” following President Trump’s recent threats. CBS News
Still, Iran has reportedly expressed a preference for negotiations with Vice President JD Vance, sidelining Witkoff and Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner. This shift comes after Iran viewed previous negotiations led by Witkoff and Kushner as insincere, believing they were a pretext for potential attacks. The Daily Beast
Ongoing Conflict and Regional Tensions
Despite the ongoing discussions, Iran continues to engage in attacks against Persian Gulf states and Israel, while maintaining a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. Israel has claimed to have killed the Iranian naval commander responsible for the blockade in a targeted airstrike. CBS News
Oil prices have risen and stock markets have fallen amid the escalating tensions and Trump’s warnings to Iran to agree to a deal “before it is too late.” Trump has even suggested, though without elaborating, that taking Iran’s oil is “an option.” CBS News
Negotiation Dynamics
President Trump has stated he is not “desperate” to reach a deal, while Witkoff confirmed the 15-point offer to end the conflict. Cleveland Jewish News. The involvement of JD Vance, known for his skepticism towards U.S. Intervention in the Middle East, signals a potential shift in the negotiation strategy. The Daily Beast
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