Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump said he had been “one hour away” from authorising military action against Iran before deciding to suspend it, adding that strikes “would be happening right now” had there not been what he described as positive developments in contacts with Tehran.

“I’ll give it two or three days, maybe Friday or Saturday or Sunday, or maybe next week, but it is a limited period of time, because we cannot allow them to have a nuclear weapon,” Trump said. He added there was a “very good chance” of reaching an agreement with Iran, but warned: “I hope we don’t have to do more military work, but we may have to deliver another strong strike.”

Trump’s comments followed weeks of confrontation involving reciprocal attacks between the United States, Israel and Iran, including strikes targeting military sites, infrastructure, and energy facilities, with spillover effects across Gulf states and key maritime routes.

In Tehran, Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs Kazem Gharibabadi said Iran was prepared to confront any military aggression and would “not surrender”. He accused Washington of presenting military pressure as an opportunity for peace, stating: “For us, there is no concept of surrender. We either win or are martyred.”

Iranian army spokesman Mohammad Akraminia said Iran “cannot be besieged or defeated” and warned of opening new fronts using “surprising tools” if the country came under attack again.

Meanwhile, General Ali Abdollahi, head of Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya wartime operations headquarters, warned the United States and Israel against any new “miscalculation”, saying Iranian forces were “more prepared and powerful than ever” and would respond “quickly, decisively, forcefully and broadly” to further aggression.

Alongside escalating rhetoric, diplomatic efforts continued. Iran’s Foreign Ministry said Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi discussed initiatives to end the conflict with Mohsin Naqvi in Tehran, arguing that “contradictory US positions and excessive demands” were obstructing diplomacy.

Araqchi thanked Pakistan for its mediation efforts, while Naqvi expressed hope that Islamabad’s engagement would help restore regional stability.

In Qatar, a foreign ministry spokesperson said Doha fully supported Pakistan’s mediation between Washington and Tehran, stressing that priorities remained preventing renewed hostilities, restoring stability, and achieving a sustainable resolution rather than a temporary ceasefire.

The spokesperson also emphasised the importance of preserving freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, saying obstruction of the waterway would violate international law.

He noted that the recent transit of two Qatari gas tankers through the strait did not indicate a return to normal shipping conditions, adding that regional and international contacts remained focused on reopening maritime routes and stabilising trade flows.

In the United Arab Emirates, the defence ministry said air defence systems had intercepted six drones targeting civilian and strategic locations over the past 48 hours.

The ministry added that investigations into Sunday’s attack on the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant found it involved three drones launched from Iraqi territory. Two were intercepted, while the third struck an electricity generator outside the facility’s inner perimeter.

The UAE said it reserved the right to take all necessary measures to protect its sovereignty and national security, stressing that its armed forces remained prepared to confront any threats.

In Israel, the newspaper Israel Hayom reported that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held another security cabinet meeting to discuss the possibility of renewed military action against Iran; the second such meeting within 24 hours.

The developments underscored the simultaneous escalation of military threats and diplomatic engagement surrounding the crisis. Trump said a breakthrough could come soon either through an agreement or renewed military action, reiterating that Iran would “never” obtain a nuclear weapon, while also acknowledging uncertainty over whether the United States would ultimately strike again.

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Trump said on Truth Social that he had reviewed Iran’s response, delivered via Pakistani mediators, and found it “totally unacceptable.” He later told Fox News he had not yet decided whether to resume “Project Freedom,” the US-led naval operation designed to secure maritime traffic, but suggested it could be expanded beyond Hormuz.

He said Washington was considering reviving the operation “on a broader scale, not limited to escorting ships through the Strait of Hormuz,” while warning that the United States would continue dealing firmly with Iran’s hardline leadership until an agreement was reached.

US Central Command reported redirecting 62 commercial vessels and disabling four ships since the blockade began, underscoring continued American pressure. Bloomberg cited sources saying Iran’s demands included lifting the blockade, easing sanctions, releasing frozen assets, and removing restrictions on oil exports. Tehran also sought control over Hormuz shipping and called for a ceasefire in Lebanon.

Iranian state television and the conservative Tasnim news agency said Tehran’s response emphasized the “fundamental rights of the Iranian people” and rejected what it described as “Trump’s excessive demands.” Reports added that Iran also sought compensation for the war and guarantees against renewed attacks.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said Tehran’s proposal was “not excessive,” arguing that Washington continued to present “unreasonable demands.” He added that any understanding must include an end to fighting on all fronts, the lifting of sanctions and arrangements to ensure security in the Strait of Hormuz.

Responding to Trump’s rejection, Tasnim quoted a source as saying the US president’s position “carries no importance,” adding that Iran’s negotiating team drafts proposals “to defend the rights of the Iranian people, not to satisfy Trump.”

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said the country had “multiple options,” ranging from entering negotiations “with dignity” to remaining in a state of “no war, no peace,” reflecting Tehran’s continued caution toward the diplomatic track.

Meanwhile, regional powers stepped up mediation efforts. Saudi Arabia and Pakistan stressed the importance of diplomacy following a phone call between Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, during which they discussed Islamabad’s mediation efforts between Washington and Tehran.

Pakistan’s foreign ministry said the Saudi minister expressed support for Islamabad’s role, while both sides emphasized the importance of safeguarding maritime security, including shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi also held another phone call with his Saudi counterpart – the second in less than 24 hours – to discuss regional developments and Pakistani-mediated negotiations.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan is expected to visit Doha on Tuesday for talks on the Iran conflict, Gulf security and maritime safety in Hormuz, according to a Turkish diplomatic source.

The source said Ankara was maintaining intensive contacts with the United States, Iran and Pakistan in an effort to contain escalation, while supporting Qatar and simultaneously criticizing Iranian strikes on Gulf states.

Highlighting mounting international concern, Fatih Birol warned that the Strait of Hormuz’s reputation as a reliable global energy corridor could be “permanently damaged” if disruptions continue, adding that once confidence is lost “it cannot easily be restored.”

The Arab League condemned attacks targeting Qatar, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates, calling them a “flagrant violation” of international law and warning that further escalation could undermine mediation efforts and push the region toward deeper instability.

With both sides firmly holding to core demands, diplomacy faces an increasingly difficult test as issues of war, sanctions, maritime security and energy flows become more tightly intertwined, complicating efforts to move beyond a fragile ceasefire toward a broader agreement.

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US President Donald Trump adopted a hardened tone, stating that Iran “has no real naval or air power” and describing the situation as a “small military engagement,” despite ongoing discussions about potential negotiations.

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Kane announced the launch of “Project Freedom” to secure maritime transit through the strait, accusing Iran of threatening global shipping and weaponising supply chains. He said Iranian forces had targeted commercial vessels nine times and attacked US forces ten times since a ceasefire was declared.

Kane added that US forces remain prepared to resume combat operations if ordered, calling on countries with strategic interests in the strait to contribute to safeguarding navigation, as Washington continues its maritime blockade on Iran.

Iranian officials, however, insisted the crisis cannot be resolved through military means. Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said recent developments demonstrate that “there is no military solution,” noting that talks are progressing through Pakistani mediation. Meanwhile, Iran’s ground forces commander warned of “severe consequences” in the event of any miscalculation.

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf described the current situation in the strait as “unsustainable for the United States,” accusing Washington and its allies of undermining maritime security through the blockade.

On the ground, US media reported that two American destroyers successfully transited the strait despite Iranian attacks involving boats, missiles and drones, without sustaining damage. Iranian media, by contrast, claimed US vessels had become stranded in southern waters, highlighting conflicting narratives and the difficulty of independently verifying developments.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards navy also reported seizing vessels in the area, while shipping data indicated a growing backlog of tankers awaiting clearance—underscoring disruptions in one of the world’s most critical energy corridors.

Elsewhere, the United Arab Emirates said its air defences intercepted Iranian missiles and drones, while France and United Kingdom condemned the attacks and called for restraint and renewed diplomatic engagement.

Regionally, Egypt has intensified diplomatic contacts with Gulf states and the United States in support of de-escalation efforts. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi expressed solidarity with the UAE during a call with President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, while Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty stressed the need to sustain negotiations and warned of serious risks to regional and global stability.

Saudi Arabia also voiced concern over the escalation, calling for restraint and supporting Pakistani mediation, while emphasising the importance of ensuring safe maritime navigation through the strait.

At the international level, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomed the extension of the ceasefire, describing it as an opportunity to reduce tensions, as countries including South Korea consider joining international efforts to secure vital shipping routes.

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Speaking to reporters in Florida, Trump said he would examine Tehran’s response but added, “I don’t imagine it will be acceptable,” pointing to unresolved disputes over key issues including the Strait of Hormuz, maritime restrictions, and Iran’s nuclear programme.

He also warned that US military strikes could resume, saying Iran had “not yet paid a big enough price,” while describing the US naval blockade of Iranian ports as “very nice,” underscoring Washington’s continued reliance on military and economic pressure even as diplomacy continues.

Iran recently submitted a 14-point response via Pakistani mediators to a previous US proposal, outlining what it described as a practical roadmap to end the conflict within 30 days, rather than extending the current temporary ceasefire.

According to media reports, the proposal is structured in three phases. The first focuses on converting the truce into a comprehensive end to hostilities under international guarantees and mutual non-aggression commitments, including the gradual reopening of the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for a phased easing of maritime restrictions on Iranian ports.

A second phase addresses the nuclear file, proposing a potential freeze on uranium enrichment for up to 15 years in return for gradual sanctions relief. The third phase envisages broader regional security dialogue involving Iran and neighbouring Arab states.

The proposal, however, rejects dismantling Iran’s nuclear infrastructure or destroying its facilities, while suggesting alternatives for managing highly enriched uranium stockpiles, including export or dilution.

US and Iranian media reports indicate that Tehran is unwilling to discuss the long-term future of its nuclear programme until a permanent end to the conflict is secured, highlighting its focus on immediate security guarantees over broader strategic concessions.

While US outlets, including The Wall Street Journal, have described the proposal as showing some degree of flexibility, major disagreements persist over the reopening of Hormuz, the scope of sanctions relief, regional security guarantees, and the future of Iran’s nuclear capabilities.

Iran has also stepped up diplomatic outreach, with Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi briefing German and Omani counterparts on Tehran’s peace initiative. Iranian officials maintain that progress depends on addressing maritime restrictions and blockade measures in parallel with any political settlement.

Meanwhile, Washington continues to reinforce military support for its allies. Israeli media reported that the United States is preparing to supply Israel with advanced precision weapons systems worth nearly $1bn, highlighting that deterrence remains a central pillar of US strategy alongside diplomatic engagement.

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In a letter to congressional leaders marking the expiration of the 60day War Powers Resolution deadline, Trump wrote: “There has been no exchange of fire with Iran since the ceasefire. The hostilities that began on February 28 have ended.” The statement appeared designed to reinforce the administration’s claim that ongoing operations no longer require fresh congressional authorization, after lawmakers were first notified following US strikes in late February.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said Tehran had entered the new round “in good faith and responsibility” through Pakistani mediation, despite what he described as deep mistrust of Washington due to repeated breaches of past commitments.

According to the Wall Street Journal, Iran’s revised proposal showed greater flexibility than earlier positions. Tehran suggested reopening the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for US guarantees to halt attacks and lift restrictions on Iranian ports, with broader nuclear negotiations to follow in return for sanctions relief.

Trump, however, voiced dissatisfaction: “Iran wants to make a deal, but I’m not happy with it. The choices remain either hit them hard or reach an agreement.” His remarks underscored that the ceasefire is more a conditional truce than a final settlement, with disputes over maritime security, sanctions, and uranium enrichment still unresolved.

Araqchi has intensified diplomatic outreach, holding calls with officials from Turkey, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Iraq, Russia, France, and the European Union to consolidate support for negotiations and prevent renewed escalation. Qatar reiterated that freedom of navigation in Hormuz is “nonnegotiable,” while Egypt urged continued diplomatic engagement during talks with US envoy Steve Witkoff.

Regionally, the United Arab Emirates announced that air traffic had returned to normal after a security review, signaling a relative easing of immediate threats. Meanwhile, Iran’s UN mission insisted uranium enrichment remains legal under IAEA supervision, and China rejected new US sanctions on Chinese firms tied to Iranian oil purchases, calling them violations of international law.

Despite the diplomatic track, Iranian military officials warned that renewed war remains possible. A CNN investigation reported at least 16 US military sites in eight countries across the region have been damaged since the conflict began, underscoring the fragility of the current truce.

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In a social media post, Trump said Iran was pressing for the reopening of Hormuz while attempting to stabilize its internal leadership, though he did not specify how this message had been conveyed.

His remarks come amid reports of divisions within Washington over whether to continue relying primarily on economic pressure or to resume military strikes. Axios reported that Trump is weighing options between maintaining sanctions and naval pressure on Iran or launching new military attacks, with concerns that the United States could become mired in a prolonged strategic stalemate described as “neither war nor peace.”

US officials cited by the outlet warned that such a frozen conflict could destabilize global energy markets for months while preserving the risk of sudden escalation.

Iran, meanwhile, signaled that it does not consider the conflict resolved. An Iranian military spokesperson said Tehran had updated its target bank during both wartime and the ceasefire period, adding that Iran’s army and Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) maintain coordinated control over the Strait of Hormuz, the IRGC securing the western side, and the regular army overseeing the eastern sector.

Iran’s defense ministry announced that future shipping through Hormuz would be subject to new security protocols aimed at safeguarding Iranian interests, describing recent US and Israeli military actions as a severe blow to trust and international law.

On the ground, Iran’s Tasnim news agency reported that the Japanese oil tanker Idemitsu Maru, carrying roughly 2 million barrels of crude, passed through the Strait of Hormuz in coordination with Iran, potentially signaling the early implementation of Tehran’s new maritime oversight framework.

Diplomatically, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi welcomed Russian support for negotiations following talks with President Vladimir Putin, highlighting the depth of their strategic partnership. Moscow has repeatedly offered mediation and previously proposed storing Iran’s enriched uranium stockpiles as a de-escalation measure, though Washington rejected the idea.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reiterated that Washington’s core objective remains preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon, arguing that Tehran often uses negotiations to buy time. He stressed that any future agreement must decisively block Iran’s path to nuclear weapons capability.

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Ebrahim Azizi, head of Iran’s parliamentary national security committee, said proposed legislation would place the Strait formally under the authority of Iran’s armed forces. He noted that Iranian forces already exercise de facto control and are seeking to prevent what he described as “hostile vessels” from transiting. The proposal would also require transit fees to be paid in Iranian rials, a move that could significantly reshape global shipping and energy dynamics.

The developments come as Iran, via Pakistani intermediaries, submitted a new proposal to Washington focused on reopening the Strait and lifting the maritime blockade in exchange for ending the war, while deferring nuclear negotiations to a later stage, according to Axios, citing US officials and informed sources.

US President Donald Trump, speaking during a national security meeting at the White House, said his administration was reviewing next steps following stalled talks. The White House reiterated that any agreement must permanently prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said “excessive US demands” had hindered progress despite earlier advances, adding that Tehran is reviewing a US proposal to resume negotiations while continuing consultations with Russia, Oman, and Pakistan over Hormuz and broader diplomatic arrangements.

The divergence highlights a dual-track challenge for diplomacy: securing an immediate arrangement to safeguard shipping and energy flows, while preserving the longer-term political track linked to Iran’s nuclear programme.

In Europe, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said the United States appeared caught in a conflict without a clear exit strategy, arguing that Iran had proven “stronger than expected” and that Washington lacked a coherent negotiating framework; remarks seen as rare criticism from a key Western ally.

Meanwhile, Russia stepped up its political backing for Tehran. President Vladimir Putin said Moscow would do everything possible to support a peaceful resolution that safeguards both Iran’s interests and regional stability, reaffirming the strategic partnership between the two countries. The Kremlin also signalled readiness to mediate if required.

Regionally, Egypt intensified diplomatic engagement. Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty held discussions with US envoy Steve Witkoff on the trajectory of US-Iran talks, stressing the importance of sustaining diplomatic efforts while addressing Gulf security concerns.

At the same time, Iran faces growing humanitarian and healthcare pressures as the conflict continues. The health ministry reported damage to dozens of hospitals and emergency facilities, alongside worsening shortages of medicines and essential supplies for patients with chronic conditions.

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According to the statement, the discussions focused on recent regional developments and the negotiation track between Washington and Tehran. Abdelatty underscored the importance of maintaining dialogue and intensifying consultation among relevant parties to sustain ceasefire arrangements and consolidate de-escalation efforts.

He emphasized that diplomatic solutions remain the primary safeguard against wider regional conflict, stressing that sustainable security requires respect for state sovereignty and consideration of the security concerns of Gulf countries.

Abdelatty also highlighted the need to protect international navigation and maritime security, noting the impact of regional tensions on global energy and trade routes.

The ministry added that Abdelatty called for continued coordination and joint action to preserve stability and safeguard national interests.

The calls form part of Egypt’s broader diplomatic push to support regional de-escalation and prevent further conflict expansion.

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Speaking to Fox News, Trump said he had called off a planned visit by envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Islamabad, saying he had instructed them not to undertake an 18-hour trip “to talk about nothing.” He added that the United States “holds all the cards” and that Iran could reach out to Washington “any time it wants.”

In separate remarks to Axios, Trump said the decision did not signal a return to conflict, noting that military escalation was not currently under consideration. He added that talks could be held “just as effectively by phone,” pointing to a preference for direct or informal engagement over extended in-person negotiations.

The move comes as Pakistan continues to play a central mediating role. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad, where they discussed bilateral relations, regional coordination, and efforts to end the conflict. Araqchi expressed appreciation for Pakistan’s role in facilitating de-escalation and hosting consultations.

A Pakistani source told Reuters that Araqchi had presented Tehran’s demands and reservations regarding US proposals during the visit, underscoring the persistent gaps between the two sides despite ongoing diplomatic engagement.

In Tehran, President Masoud Pezeshkian urged citizens to reduce electricity consumption following significant damage to energy infrastructure caused by recent strikes, saying authorities were working to regulate usage. He also pointed to the impact of a US maritime blockade on Iranian ports.

On the ground, United States Central Command said a US destroyer intercepted a vessel flying the Iranian flag en route to an Iranian port as part of blockade enforcement. Meanwhile, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps reported detaining another ship in the Strait of Hormuz on suspicion of cooperating with the US military.

In the Gulf, the Gulf Cooperation Council reaffirmed support for international efforts to ensure freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, amid growing concerns over disruptions to global trade routes.

More broadly, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi described the Middle East as entering a “critical and decisive” phase, warning against attempts to redraw the region’s map and reiterating Egypt’s rejection of any displacement of Palestinians.

Separately, Saudi Arabia and Qatar condemned a drone attack targeting border posts in Kuwait, calling it a threat to regional security. Kuwaiti authorities reported material damage but no casualties.

In Ankara, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said Türkiye could consider participating in demining operations in the Strait of Hormuz if an agreement is reached between Iran and the United States, reflecting broader international readiness to help secure maritime routes following any potential settlement.

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The US military said its maritime control measures apply to vessels entering or leaving Iranian ports regardless of flag, while allowing continued transit through the Strait of Hormuz for ships travelling to and from non-Iranian destinations. It added that any vessel entering or exiting the restricted zone without authorisation could be intercepted, diverted, or detained, with neutral ships also subject to inspection.

Trump’s remarks came hours after Washington’s Monday 14:00 GMT deadline for the blockade to begin. US officials provided limited initial details on enforcement, though a senior official later said the operation was under way with support from more than 15 warships, a figure that could not be independently verified.

Trump said Iran’s conventional navy was “at the bottom of the ocean,” adding that only a small number of fast attack craft had not been targeted, as they were not previously seen as a major threat. He warned that any vessels approaching US ships would be destroyed using the same “elimination” methods applied against drug trafficking operations. Iran, in response, described the restrictions as “maritime piracy.”

Tehran responded with strong rhetoric. A spokesperson for Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya military headquarters said security in Gulf and Sea of Oman ports must either apply to all or to none. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said Tehran had entered the Islamabad talks “in good faith,” but faced excessive US demands, shifting objectives, and threats of a blockade, leading to the collapse of negotiations.

Shehbaz Sharif said diplomatic efforts were continuing despite the breakdown in talks, adding that Islamabad was making a “full effort” to help resolve the conflict. Mediators from Pakistan, Egypt, and Turkey are expected to continue efforts in the coming days, with hopes of another round of negotiations before the current ceasefire expires on April 21.

In Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu backed the US move, saying coordination with Washington was ongoing. Qatar, by contrast, stressed the importance of preserving the ceasefire and keeping sea lanes open, warning against using maritime routes as leverage due to the potential impact on global energy and food supplies.

The secretary-general of the International Maritime Organization also said no state has the right to impede transit passage or freedom of navigation through international straits, underlining the sensitivity of the Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly a fifth of the world’s seaborne oil and liquefied natural gas passes.

The blockade has already unsettled energy and shipping markets. Estimates suggest it could disrupt around 2 million barrels per day of Iranian oil exports, while oil prices have jumped more than 7% to above $100 per barrel amid concerns over prolonged supply disruptions.

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