Trump Delays Airstrikes on Iranian Energy Facilities by Another 10 Days
On March 26, Xinhua News Agency reported from Washington that U.S. President Trump stated in a social media post on the afternoon of the 26th that, "at the request of the Iranian government," he would postpone the "destruction" of Iranian energy facilities by 10 days, extending the deadline to 8 PM Eastern Time on April 6 (8 AM Beijing Time on April 7).
Trump mentioned that relevant negotiations are ongoing and progressing "very smoothly."
Earlier that day, during a cabinet meeting at the White House, Trump said he was unsure whether Iran would comply with the deadline he set for the opening of the Strait of Hormuz by the 27th, and he was also uncertain whether the negotiations would go smoothly, but stated, "We have plenty of time."
On the 21st, Trump posted on social media, threatening that Iran must open the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours, or he would destroy its various power plants. On the 23rd, he again posted on social media, stating that the U.S. and Iran had engaged in "very good and productive" dialogue over the past two days, and the U.S. would "postpone by 5 days" airstrikes on Iranian power plants.
U.S. President Trump announced a 10-day delay in airstrikes against Iranian energy facilities, now set for April 6, 2020, at 8 PM EDT, following a request from the Iranian government. He stated that negotiations are progressing well, although he expressed uncertainty about Iran's compliance with the deadline to open the Strait of Hormuz. Trump had previously threatened military action if the Strait was not opened.
- Trump announced a 10-day delay in airstrikes against Iranian energy facilities.
- The new deadline is set for April 6, 2020, at 8 PM EDT.
- The delay was made at the request of the Iranian government.
- Negotiations between the U.S. and Iran are reportedly progressing well.
- Trump previously threatened to destroy Iranian power stations if the Strait of Hormuz was not opened.