US President Donald Trump on Thursday explained why he gave Iran a 10-day cooling-off period, saying it was in response to a “gift” from Tehran, allowing eight oil tankers to pass through the Strait of Hormuz while suspending planned attacks on its high-value energy infrastructure. He also called the move a sign of progress in ongoing diplomatic efforts amid tensions in the Middle East.In an interview with Fox News, Trump said Iran had reached out to his administration to seek more time as part of ongoing engagement between the two sides.
“They spoke to me nicely through my people and said, ‘Can we have more time?’ Because we’re talking about tomorrow night, which is quick, and if they don’t do what they have to do, I’m going to destroy their power plants,” Trump said.The MAGA top leader added that Iran agreed to a 10-day extension after Iran allowed eight oil tankers to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, calling it a “gift” during the negotiations. “We discussed eight ships, the gift I was talking about the other day, but they asked for seven and I gave them ten. And they were very grateful for that,” the US president said.Earlier in the day, Trump announced that the suspension of strikes against Iran’s energy infrastructure would be extended for another 10 days until Monday, April 6, 2026, as negotiations continue. He said in an article published in “Truth Social” that the decision was made at the request of the Iranian government and insisted that the negotiations were progressing smoothly.The post read: “At the request of the Government of Iran, please allow this statement to indicate that I will be suspending the deadline for the destruction of energy plants for 10 days, Monday, April 6, 2026 at 8pm Eastern Time. Negotiations are ongoing and are progressing well despite false statements to the contrary by fake news media and other outlets.”Earlier this week, Trump ordered a temporary halt to military operations. On Monday, he said he was directing the U.S. War Department to delay attacks on Iranian power plants and energy sites for five days, citing ongoing diplomatic contacts.In another Truth Society post, he described recent discussions as constructive and aimed at resolving hostilities. “I’m pleased to report that the United States of America and Iran have had a very good and productive dialogue over the past two days regarding a complete resolution of our hostilities in the Middle East,” he said.“Based on the tone and tenor of these in-depth, detailed, and constructive conversations that will continue throughout the week, I have directed the Department of War to postpone for five days any and all military strikes on Iran’s power plants and energy infrastructure, subject to the success of ongoing meetings and discussions. Thank you for your attention to this matter!” it added.Previously, Trump had issued a stern warning to Tehran, requiring it to reopen the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours, otherwise it would face military action. He said in an earlier Truth Society post: “If Iran does not fully open the Strait of Hormuz without threat, within 48 hours from this point, the United States of America will strike and destroy their various power plants, starting with the largest!”The latest extensions, first extending from a 48-hour ultimatum to a five-day pause and now a further 10 days, highlight changing timetables as diplomacy continues and tensions rise.
