Trump Moves Iran Deadline Again as War Escalates on Multiple Fronts

President Trump posted an Easter message threatening to destroy Iranian infrastructure in terms that stunned even his own supporters. "Tuesday will be Power Plant day and Bridge Day, all wrapped up in one in Iran," he wrote. "Open the fucking straight, you crazy bastards, or you'll be living in hell. Just watch. Praise be to Allah, President Donald J. Trump." The message came as the administration moved its deadline for Iran for the fourth time — now set for Tuesday at 8 p.m. Eastern — and as the war expanded across new fronts with significant damage on both sides.

The Deadline Game and the Strait of Hormuz

Trump has now moved the deadline four times since March 21, when he first gave Iran 48 hours. Each extension has been accompanied by escalating threats. The latest came in a Wall Street Journal interview where he said Iran would "lose every power plant and every other plant they have in the whole country" if leaders don't agree to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Axios reporter Barak Ravid published a report Monday morning claiming the US, Iran, and regional mediators are discussing terms for a potential 45-day ceasefire that could lead to a permanent end to the war — citing US, Israeli, and regional sources. But Iran has rejected a temporary ceasefire, with a foreign ministry spokesperson saying it woul