Trump Halts Iran Energy Strikes for 10 Days, Claims Negotiations Progressing

President Trump has temporarily suspended attacks on Iranian energy facilities for 10 days, stating that diplomatic talks with Iran are proceeding well. However, an Iranian official has rejected a U.S. peace proposal as unfair, while fighting continues across the Middle East.

President Donald Trump has declared a temporary halt to strikes on Iran’s energy infrastructure for 10 days following Tehran’s request, while asserting that diplomatic negotiations are proceeding “very well.” However, an Iranian official has rejected the American peace proposal as “one-sided and unfair.”

The ongoing conflict has claimed thousands of lives, expanded into neighboring countries, and severely impacted the global economy through skyrocketing energy costs since the United States and Israel began military operations on February 28, following unsuccessful negotiations over Tehran’s nuclear program.

During a White House cabinet meeting Thursday, Trump warned of escalating pressure on Iran without a deal, then later announced on social media his decision to suspend strikes on Iranian energy facilities for 10 days, lasting until April 6, 2026 at 8:00 PM EDT.

“Talks are ongoing and, despite erroneous statements to the contrary by the Fake News Media, and others, they are going very well,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.

Speaking later on Fox News’ “The Five,” Trump revealed that Iranian officials had requested a seven-day suspension. Tehran has not immediately responded to these claims.

According to peace negotiation mediators cited by the Wall Street Journal, Iran has not actually requested a 10-day suspension of energy facility strikes.

The conflict has severely disrupted global shipping routes, driving crude oil prices up approximately 40% and causing liquefied natural gas shipments to Asia to surge by roughly two-thirds. Nitrogen-based fertilizer prices, essential for food production, have increased by about 50%.

Despite Trump’s optimistic outlook, Iran has continued retaliatory strikes against U.S. and Israeli targets, hitting Israel and American military bases while also attacking Gulf nations and effectively shutting down Middle Eastern fuel exports through the Strait of Hormuz.

The Pentagon confirmed to Reuters that the United States has deployed unmanned drone speedboats for patrol operations against Iran, marking the first time Washington has acknowledged using such technology in active combat.

Trump warned that America would become Iran’s “worst nightmare” if Tehran fails to meet U.S. demands, which include reopening the strait and dismantling the nuclear program. He mentioned seizing control of Iranian oil as a possibility but provided no specifics.

An Iranian official informed Reuters that senior Iranian leaders and a representative of Iran’s supreme leader thoroughly examined a 15-point American proposal on Wednesday, which Pakistan had delivered to Tehran. While they viewed it as serving only U.S. and Israeli interests, diplomatic efforts continue, the official noted.

Combat operations have persisted despite diplomatic efforts. Thursday saw Iran launch multiple missile attacks against Israel, targeting Tel Aviv, Haifa, and other locations, including a Palestinian community in central Israel.

Israeli military sources confirmed at least one ballistic missile struck Tel Aviv, while others deployed cluster munitions that scattered smaller explosives, causing damage to residential properties and vehicles. Israel’s emergency services reported one fatality in Nahariya following a Hezbollah rocket attack on the northern city.

Within Iran, strikes targeted the southern port city of Bandar Abbas and a village near Shiraz. Reports indicate a university facility in Isfahan was also hit.

Trump proposed Thursday that Iran allow 10 oil tankers, including some flying Pakistani flags, to pass through the Strait of Hormuz as a diplomatic gesture during negotiations.

The president has deployed thousands of military personnel to the Middle East region, with some already arriving, fueling speculation about a potential ground invasion, though specific details remain limited.

Steve Witkoff, Trump’s special envoy, confirmed that the U.S. has presented a “15-point action list” as the foundation for war-ending negotiations. Sources and reports indicate the demands range from dismantling Iran’s nuclear capabilities to restricting its missile program and essentially surrendering control of the strait.

Pakistan’s foreign minister described “indirect talks” between Washington and Tehran occurring through messages relayed by Islamabad, with Turkey and Egypt also supporting mediation initiatives.

Any diplomatic resolution appears extremely challenging. Iranian sources indicate the country has taken a harder position since hostilities began, demanding assurances against future military action, financial compensation for damages, and official control over the strait.

Regional sources report that Iran has also informed intermediaries that Lebanon must be included in any ceasefire agreement.

Trump has not disclosed which Iranian officials the U.S. is negotiating with, as many high-ranking leaders are among the thousands killed in the widespread Middle Eastern conflict.