With Brent crude hovering above $100 per barrel and global shipping routes in disarray, President Donald Trump announced on Friday that he is extending his deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz by ten days — from March 27 to April 6, 2026. The move, confirmed by senior administration officials, came alongside reports that a 15-point peace framework had been quietly transmitted to Tehran through Pakistani diplomatic channels.
The extension marks a notable shift in tone from a White House that only weeks ago was boasting about the speed of its military campaign. Since the US-Israel joint strikes began on February 28 — strikes that reportedly killed Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei — the administration has faced mounting pressure from financial markets, European allies, and a growing domestic coalition demanding an end to the conflict.
The choice of Pakistan as an intermediary is diplomatically significant. Islamabad has maintained back-channel relationships with both Washington and Tehran and has positioned itself as a neutral broker since the conflict began. NPR reported that the peace framework, while not publicly disclosed, includes provisions addressing Iran's nuclear program, sanctions relief, and a phased military withdrawal timeline. Whether Tehran will engage remains uncertain — Iran's acting government has so far rejected direct negotiations, and heavy bombardment across Tehran continued as of Friday morning.
