U.S. President Donald Trump extended the deadline for negotiations with Iran by one day to April 7, while reiterating his warning that he would launch a full-scale strike on Iranian infrastructure if talks fail.
In an interview with the Wall Street Journal on Saturday, Trump said, "If Iran doesn't do something by Tuesday evening, there won't be a single power plant or bridge left." He had previously announced on March 26 that he would extend the grace period for strikes on Iranian power plants by 10 days to 8 p.m. Eastern Time on April 6. His latest remarks pushed that deadline back by one more day.
Trump also posted on Truth Social, writing "Tuesday 8 PM EST!" (9 a.m. Wednesday Korea Standard Time), indirectly signaling the extension.
On the prospects for a deal, Trump expressed both hope and skepticism. In an interview with Axios, he said the U.S. and Iran were engaged in "deep negotiations," but added, "Negotiations are progressing, but with Iran we've never reached the finish line." Asked about the likelihood of a deal, he said, "I think it's high. But if they don't make a deal, we will blow everything there up."
Trump also personally explained the background behind the airstrike on a bridge in northern Iran on April 1. "A few days ago, both sides almost agreed to direct negotiations, but Iran said let's meet in five days. I asked why it would take five days, concluded they weren't serious, and struck that bridge," he said.
He also intensified his demands for the opening of the Strait of Hormuz. On Truth Social, he used profanity to pressure Iran into lifting its blockade of the strait. Trump has previously maintained that responsibility for normalizing the Strait of Hormuz lies with countries that import large volumes of oil through it. However, his direct demand to Iran for the strait's opening is interpreted as reflecting the reality that rising international oil prices caused by the Hormuz blockade are putting considerable pressure on the U.S. economy as well.
In an interview with The Hill, Trump also left open the possibility of deploying ground troops if negotiations collapse. Asked whether he would rule out sending ground forces to Iran, he answered, "No." He then urged Iran's leadership to make a decision, saying, "Any normal, smart person would choose to make a deal."