President sets 8 p.m. Tuesday deadline for Iran to act, stating no extension is expected.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
President Donald Trump said Monday that he will not extend the deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, warning that failure to act by Tuesday evening will trigger a significant escalation.
During a White House press briefing, Trump confirmed that Iranian leadership has until 8 p.m. Eastern Time to comply with U.S. demands tied to maritime access through the strategic waterway.
When asked earlier in the day whether he would consider extending the timeline, Trump responded in remarks captured in a video clip, “HIGHLY unlikely. They’ve had plenty of time! In fact, they asked for 7 days, I said I gonna give you 10! But at the end of 10, ALL HELL is gonna break out if you don’t get things done.”
He reiterated the timeline again, stating, “They have till 8:00 tomorrow night,” referencing the final deadline for compliance.
Trump said the deadline follows several days of intensified U.S. military operations targeting Iranian capabilities. He described the current period as decisive, adding, “This is a critical period. We’re going to find out.”
The president indicated that while negotiations remain underway, the administration is prepared to escalate if Iran does not meet the conditions. He also pointed to U.S. military capacity, stating that American forces could act quickly if required.
Trump addressed conditions inside Iran, stating that the population is not the adversary and describing internal repression by the government. “They want freedom,” he said, citing intelligence reports that suggest some Iranians support continued external pressure.
He added that demonstrations have historically been met with force, stating, “They were told if you protest, you will be shot immediately,” and said that fear has limited public dissent.
Despite ongoing military activity, Trump said a negotiated outcome remains possible. “They would like to make a deal,” he said. “We’ll see what happens.”
He also reiterated that preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons remains a central objective of U.S. policy. While stating that regime change is not the official goal, he acknowledged that changes in leadership could alter the regional dynamic.
The administration’s approach includes prior decisions to withdraw from earlier nuclear agreements, which Trump has criticized, and continued pressure aimed at limiting Iran’s strategic capabilities.
As the deadline approaches, U.S. officials are awaiting Iran’s response to determine whether negotiations will continue or whether further military action will proceed.
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