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Trump's Postponed Ultimatum to Iran

Strikes postponed 5 days citing "very good and productive conversations" — but Iran denies any talks are taking place.

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DEADLINE EXPIRED

The postponed deadline has passed.

Original 48hr deadline: March 21, 2026 — 23:44 GMT
Postponed by 5 days on: March 23, 2026
New deadline expires: March 28, 2026 — 23:44 GMT (7:44 PM ET)
Source: Truth Social posts by President Trump

Original Ultimatum — March 21

President Trump posted on Truth Social on Saturday evening (March 21, 2026 at 7:44 PM ET / 23:44 GMT), giving Iran 48 hours to fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz — a critical waterway through which approximately 20% of the world's oil passes. The strait has been effectively closed since the U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran began on February 28.

"If Iran doesn't FULLY OPEN, WITHOUT THREAT, the Strait of Hormuz, within 48 HOURS from this exact point in time, the United States of America will hit and obliterate their various POWER PLANTS, STARTING WITH THE BIGGEST ONE FIRST!"

— Donald Trump, Truth Social, March 21, 2026

5-Day Postponement — March 23

As the original 48-hour deadline expired, Trump announced he was "postponing any and all military strikes against Iranian power plants" for at least five days, citing "very good and productive conversations" with Tehran about resolving hostilities. The postponement is "subject to the success of the ongoing meetings and discussions."

Iran's Response

Iran's Foreign Ministry contradicted Trump's account, asserting there have been "no direct or indirect talks" and characterizing his reversal as an effort to "reduce energy prices and buy time." Iran's military previously warned that if power plants are struck, it will target all U.S. and Israeli energy infrastructure, IT systems, and desalination facilities in the region. The IRGC stated the Strait would be "completely closed" if power plants are attacked.

Sources

Axios · NBC News · Al Jazeera · TIME · PBS