Trump Issues 48-Hour Hormuz Deadline; Postpones Iranian Energy Infrastructure Strikes

President Trump issued Iran a 48-hour ultimatum to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, simultaneously ordering a 5-day postponement of planned US strikes on Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure — citing ceasefire talks as the reason for the pause. Trump stated he backed off threatening Iranian energy infrastructure 'based on the fact we're negotiating.' He also threatened that if Iran fails to comply it will be 'hit harder than ever before.' The temporary pause was interpreted as a de facto diplomatic signal, though Iran's official position remained defiant.