Trump's Iran Deadline Looms, Options Reviewed

Source: barrons.com

TL;DR

The story at a glance

President Donald Trump faces an expiring deadline for Iran to fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz amid an ongoing war started by U.S. and Israeli strikes in late February. Iran's Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi stated the Supreme National Security Council agreed to cease attacks and coordinate safe ship passage for two weeks. This comes after Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif urged an extension, as Trump threatened to destroy Iran's infrastructure like bridges and power plants by Tuesday's 8 p.m. ET cutoff. The war has closed the strait, a key route for one-fifth of global oil.[[2]](https://www.barrons.com/articles/trump-iran-deadline-looms-options-32b7b9a4?mod=hp_LEDE_C_1)[[4]](https://www.wsj.com/livecoverage/iran-war-2026-trump-deadline-latest-news)

Key points

Details and context

The U.S.-Iran war began with strikes on February 28, leading Iran to block the Strait of Hormuz, halting oil, fertilizer, and other shipments and spiking energy prices worldwide. Trump has used escalating threats, from power plants to "whole civilization" warnings, while extending deadlines repeatedly—March 21 (48 hours), March 23 (+5 days), March 26 (+10 days), up to Tuesday April 7 at 8 p.m. ET.[[10]](https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/4/5/trump-threatens-hell-for-iran-over-hormuz-strait-as-deadline-approaches)[[5]](https://www.foxnews.com/politics/timeline-trumps-escalating-deadlines-on-iran-and-the-strait-hormuz.amp)

Options discussed include further infrastructure strikes, B-2 bomber runs, seizing Kharg Island oil terminal, or U.S. tolls on strait passage; a full reopening push was deemed too risky now, with allies possibly leading later.[[11]](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jJ6WIUxGVGI)

Pakistan mediated the pause, tagging U.S. and Iranian officials; Iran insists on permanent terms, while Trump eyes a deal acceptable to him for free traffic.[[12]](https://www.wsj.com/business/pakistan-seeks-two-week-extension-to-trumps-iran-deadline-72d1112d)

Key quotes

Why it matters

The Strait of Hormuz closure threatens global energy supplies, with one-fifth of seaborne oil at stake, fueling inflation and recession risks. Investors and oil importers gain short-term relief from the two-week pause and falling prices, but businesses face uncertainty if talks fail and strikes resume. Watch for compliance on safe passage, progress on Iran's 10-point demands versus U.S. terms, and any new deadlines, as a durable deal remains distant.[[7]](https://www.wsj.com/livecoverage/iran-war-2026-trump-deadline-latest-news/card/cease-fire-deal-leaves-durable-u-s-iran-agreement-still-far-from-secure-2KsQlZ6UcGM88MQjOkKo)