Talks are going very well: Donald Trump extends pause on striking Iranian power plants

Dismissing reports by what he called the “fake news media,” Trump asserted that ongoing negotiations with Iran are progressing positively.

In a post on Truth Social, he wrote: “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.”

He added, “Talks are ongoing and, despite erroneous statements to the contrary by the Fake News Media, and others, they are going very well.”

Earlier, on March 21, Trump had warned of targeting Iran’s power infrastructure if it failed to reopen the strategically critical Strait of Hormuz to oil tankers within 48 hours. The deadline has since been extended twice.

In a fresh revelation, Trump disclosed that the “very big present” he had hinted at earlier this week from Iran consisted of 10 large oil shipments.

Speaking during a Cabinet meeting at the White House, he said Iran had allowed the vessels—including some reportedly flying Pakistani flags—to pass through the Strait of Hormuz as a goodwill gesture amid ongoing diplomatic efforts.

“They said, to show you we’re real and solid, we’re going to let you have eight boats of oil… eight big boats of oil. I guess they were right—they were real. I think they were Pakistani-flagged… It ended up being 10 boats,” Trump said, adding that the additional shipments were sent “to apologize for something they said.”

The Strait of Hormuz, a vital global energy chokepoint through which nearly 20% of the world’s oil supply passes, has long been a flashpoint in regional tensions. Iran has historically restricted passage for vessels it deems linked to US or Israeli interests, while allowing limited transit for others.

According to Jasem Mohamed al-Budaiwi of the Gulf Cooperation Council, Iran has also been charging ships for safe passage through the strait—a practice Trump acknowledged, noting, “They shouldn’t be able to, but they’re doing it a little bit.”

Trump further observed that oil markets have remained relatively stable despite the tensions. “It hasn’t been nearly as severe as I thought,” he said, suggesting that the oil shipments may have helped ease market concerns.

The developments come at a delicate moment in US-Iran relations, as both sides navigate complex issues surrounding sanctions, energy security, and broader geopolitical dynamics in the Middle East.