Trump May Delay Iran Strikes If Talks Show Signs Of Progress, Officials Say As 8 PM Deadline Nears

Last Updated:April 07, 2026, 10:14 IST

Trump may delay planned strikes on Iran’s infrastructure if negotiations show progress, though officials say scepticism remains about extension beyond the 8 pm deadline.

US President Donald Trump may delay planned strikes targeting Iranian civilian infrastructure if negotiations show signs of progress, according to officials cited by Axios, even as uncertainty remains over whether Tehran will secure additional time beyond the latest deadline.

“If the President sees a deal is coming together, he’ll probably hold off. But only he and he alone makes that decision," a senior administration official was quoted as saying, highlighting the central role Trump is playing in determining whether diplomacy or military escalation prevails.

LIVE Updates On The US-Iran War

However, a defence official told the publication they were “sceptical" that there would be any further extension for Iran, suggesting that the window for negotiations may be closing quickly.

The report, based on interviews with six officials and sources with direct knowledge of the diplomacy or Trump’s thinking, underscores the high-stakes nature of the decision facing the White House as Tuesday’s 8 pm deadline approaches.

STRIKE PLANS READY AS TRUMP SIGNALS HARDLINE POSITION

According to the report, a plan for a large-scale US-Israeli bombing campaign targeting Iran’s energy infrastructure is ready for execution if Trump gives the order.

The President has reportedly begun testing reactions to the proposal among advisers and confidants, at times referring to the potential operation as “Infrastructure Day."

A US source who has spoken with Trump in recent days described him as one of the most hawkish figures within his own administration.

Another US official was quoted as saying, “The President is the most bloodthirsty, like a mad dog," while pushing back against suggestions that other senior officials were encouraging escalation.

“Those guys sound like the doves compared to the president," the official added, referring to Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

At the same time, Trump has signalled that diplomacy remains possible, telling reporters negotiations were “going fine" and describing Iran as “an active, willing participant on the other side" that is “negotiating in good faith," according to the report.

NEGOTIATING TEAM URGES DEAL, ALLIES PRESSURE WASHINGTON

The report mentioned that Trump’s negotiating team, including Vice President JD Vance, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, believes an agreement should be pursued if achievable.

However, regional allies, including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as well as leaders in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, have urged the US not to accept a ceasefire unless Iran makes major concessions.

These include reopening the Strait of Hormuz or giving up highly enriched uranium, steps that currently appear unlikely, according to the report.

DEADLINES SHIFT AS THREATS ESCALATE

Inputs from the Associated Press indicate Trump has repeatedly shifted deadlines tied to demands that Iran reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face military consequences.

The latest extension moved the deadline from Monday to Tuesday at 8 pm, following earlier delays since March 23 amid alternating threats and expressions of optimism about negotiations.

Trump has warned of sweeping destruction if no deal is reached.

“The entire country could be taken out in one night, and it might be tomorrow night," he said, adding that the US has a plan under which “every bridge in Iran will be decimated by 12 o’clock tomorrow night" and “every power plant in Iran will be out of business, burning, exploding and never to be used again."

According to the Associated Press, Trump has also warned that Iran would be left with “no bridges" and “no power plants" if it does not comply with US demands.

Iran has rejected the latest ceasefire proposal.

Mojtaba Ferdousi Pour, head of Iran’s diplomatic mission in Cairo, told the Associated Press that Tehran no longer trusts Washington after previous US strikes during negotiations.

“We only accept an end of the war with guarantees that we won’t be attacked again," he said.

DIPLOMACY CONTINUES AMID LEGAL WARNINGS

According to the Associated Press, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has warned that attacks on civilian infrastructure are prohibited under international law.

Trump has dismissed such concerns, saying he is “not at all" worried about potential war crimes implications.

Despite the sharp rhetoric and military preparations, diplomatic efforts are ongoing.

A regional official involved in talks told the Associated Press that communication channels remain open.

“We are still talking to both sides," the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

A US source close to Trump told Axios the coming hours will be decisive.

“Trump would take a deal if he got one, but it’s unclear if the Iranians are ready. It will be extremely tense until Tuesday at 8 pm."

News world Trump May Delay Iran Strikes If Talks Show Signs Of Progress, Officials Say As 8 PM Deadline Nears

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