Trump Less Optimistic On Iran Deal Ahead Of Hormuz Deadline, Negotiators Say 'Gap Too Wide'

Last Updated:April 07, 2026, 08:48 IST

Trump grows pessimistic on Iran deal before Tuesday deadline, threatens massive strikes on bridges and power plants over Strait of Hormuz dispute as mediation efforts falter

US President Donald Trump has grown less optimistic in private conversations about the chances of reaching an agreement with Iran before his Tuesday-night deadline, according to US officials cited by The Wall Street Journal.

Negotiators believe the gap between Washington and Tehran remains too wide to bridge in the remaining time, raising the possibility of new US strikes targeting Iranian infrastructure if diplomacy fails.

LIVE Updates On The US-Iran War

According to the report, some US officials believe Trump could issue final orders for strikes as early as Tuesday evening (US local time).

However, they also caution that ongoing negotiations could still alter the President’s decision.

“Only President Trump knows what he will do, and the entire world will find out tomorrow night if bridges and electric plants are annihilated," White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly said, underlining the uncertainty surrounding the situation.

Trump himself indicated that diplomacy remains fragile but ongoing.

“Iran was negotiating, we think, in good faith," he told reporters at the White House on Monday, warning that failure to reach an agreement could result in the US “blowing everything up."

STRAIT OF HORMUZ AT CENTRE OF DISPUTE

The negotiations have focused heavily on reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a key oil transit route through which roughly a fifth of global energy supplies move.

The report noted that US officials believe Iran sees its control over the strategic waterway as critical leverage in negotiations, making it difficult for mediators to secure concessions before Trump’s 8 pm deadline.

Trump has insisted that Iran must allow “free traffic of oil" through the strait or face sweeping attacks on infrastructure.

He has warned that US forces could target power plants and bridges if Tehran fails to meet his demands, saying the deadline is final and “highly unlikely" to be extended.

Iran has pushed back, rejecting a temporary ceasefire proposal and instead calling for a permanent end to hostilities.

Tehran conveyed a 10-point proposal through Pakistan, according to Reuters, seeking guarantees that it would not face further attacks.

THREAT OF STRIKES ON CIVILIAN INFRASTRUCTURE

Trump has expanded his threats in recent days, warning of extensive destruction if Iran does not comply.

“The entire country can be taken out in one night, and that night might be tomorrow night," Trump said.

He added that “every bridge in Iran will be decimated" and power plants would be left “burning, exploding and never to be used again."

According to WSJ, US officials believe Iran faces significant risks in refusing Washington’s demands, including further strikes that could weaken its leadership and worsen an economy already under pressure from sanctions and years of internal challenges.

However, international concerns have mounted over the legality of targeting civilian infrastructure.

United Nations spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said attacks on power plants and bridges would represent “a violation of international law and a very clear one," according to AP.

Trump dismissed such criticism, telling reporters, “I’m not worried about it. You know what a war crime is? Having a nuclear weapon," Reuters reported.

MEDIATION EFFORTS CONTINUE THROUGH REGIONAL CHANNELS

Diplomatic efforts are continuing through intermediaries including Pakistan, Egypt, Turkey and Oman.

The WSJ reported that decision-making in Tehran is currently being coordinated through Iran’s Supreme National Security Council and senior Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps leadership, including Ahmed Vahidi, the new head of the IRGC.

Regional intelligence officials have been actively involved in mediation outreach as both sides weigh options for reopening the Strait of Hormuz and brokering a ceasefire.

Despite the ongoing talks, US officials told the report they remain pessimistic about the likelihood of a breakthrough before Trump’s deadline expires.

POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC PRESSURES ON BOTH SIDES

According to the report, Trump is eager to end the war but faces domestic political pressures, including concerns among Republicans that a prolonged Middle East conflict could push fuel prices higher ahead of the November midterm elections.

The report said the President recognizes that the American public has a limited appetite for extended military engagement.

Iran, meanwhile, is also balancing risks, with officials warning that continued strikes could further strain the country’s economy and leadership structure.

Trump doubled down on his warnings, saying there would be “complete demolition" if Iran does not meet US demands regarding the Strait of Hormuz.

With hours remaining before the deadline, officials involved in negotiations were quoted as saying that discussions are still ongoing, but acknowledge that positions remain far apart.

As the deadline approaches, both diplomatic and military options remain in play, leaving the prospect of further escalation unresolved.

News world Trump Less Optimistic On Iran Deal Ahead Of Hormuz Deadline, Negotiators Say 'Gap Too Wide'

Read More