Trump Claims Iran Requests 7-Day Pause on Attacks Against Iran, But Granted 10 Days
US President Donald Trump has confirmed an extension of time granted to Iran before launching attacks on the country’s energy facilities. In an interview with Fox News on Thursday, Trump stated that he has prolonged the deadline until 6 April 2026.
Trump revealed that Iran initially requested a seven-day postponement through its representatives. However, he decided to grant a longer period.
“They said to me very nicely, through my people, ‘Can we ask for more time?’ Because we’re talking about tomorrow night, which is quite soon, and if they don’t do what they need to do, I will cripple their power plants,” Trump said.
He added that the decision to extend the postponement duration relates to certain compensation. “They asked for seven days, and I said, ‘I’ll give you 10 days,’ because they gave me a ship,” Trump added, noting that Iranian officials were “very grateful” for the decision.
Previously, Trump threatened to attack Iran’s energy sites if the country did not open the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours. That deadline was then postponed by five days until this Friday, before being extended again today.
Amid these diplomatic efforts, tensions remain high. Iran has issued a broad warning to hospitality operators across the Middle East. Tehran claims that hotels and other civilian facilities used to house US military personnel could be considered “legitimate defence targets.”
Iran’s semi-official Fars News Agency reported that locations used by US personnel are not limited to Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates but also include Syria, Lebanon, and Djibouti. Sources from Fars emphasised that the warning is “comprehensive and definitive.”
Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, reinforced this narrative through a post on social media platform X. He accused US troops of abandoning military bases in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries to hide in hotels and offices.
“Since the beginning of this war, US troops have fled from military bases in the GCC to hide in hotels and offices,” Araghchi wrote. He also accused US forces of using “GCC citizens as human shields” and urged hotels in the Gulf region to reject bookings from US military personnel.
To date, Iran’s claims have not been independently verified. US officials or GCC member states have not provided public responses regarding the allegations of using civilian facilities as military shelters.
Meanwhile, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has warned of nuclear radiation risks at Bushehr. Tensions are rising in the Persian Gulf, with the US considering ground operations on Kharg Island, while Iran strengthens defences with mines and MANPADS missile systems.
Indonesia’s Composite Stock Price Index (IHSG) opened 0.32% weaker at 7,338 on Friday (13/3/2026). The US-Iran conflict has triggered a surge in oil prices and hawkish expectations from the Federal Reserve.
Iran’s threats to attack tankers in the Strait of Hormuz have sparked a spike in oil prices and global energy market concerns amid the conflict with the US.
President Donald Trump affirmed that US forces have crippled Iran’s strength in a matter of hours, but he refused to withdraw troops earlier.
He added that an initial draft has been prepared, though it is not yet an official proposal.
Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia assured that Pertalite and Solar fuel prices will not rise despite the global energy crisis resulting from the intensifying US-Israel vs Iran war.
Tehran stated that ships from countries other than the US and Israel can still pass through the Strait of Hormuz.
US President Donald Trump officially announced the schedule for a visit to China to meet Xi Jinping. This first visit in 10 years was delayed due to the Strait of Hormuz crisis.
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