Washington and Tehran are engaged in ongoing indirect peace negotiations amidst heightened military tensions, with the conflict entering its fourth week. President Trump on Thursday extended a deadline for Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz to April 6, citing progress in the talks and a goodwill gesture from Tehran.

President Trump vehemently denied reports suggesting he was "desperate" to conclude the conflict, labeling such claims as "fake news." Speaking during a Cabinet meeting and on social media, he asserted that he is "the opposite of desperate" and aims to "finish the job" by hitting additional targets before any potential withdrawal of U.S. forces. He indicated that talks were "going very well" despite what he characterized as erroneous statements.

The extension of the deadline for Iran to ensure open passage through the Strait of Hormuz adds five days to an earlier five-day period, pushing the new deadline to April 6. Trump stated this decision was influenced by a recent delivery of 10 large oil vessels from Iran, which he described as a show of goodwill. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical global waterway, and ensuring its security for international commerce remains a primary U.S. objective, with Trump emphasizing that even a "1% risk" to shipping from Iran is unacceptable.

While diplomatic efforts continue, reports indicate the U.S. military is preparing for potential escalated action should negotiations fail. Military officials are reportedly readying a series of airstrikes and amphibious invasions of strategic Iranian positions. The Pentagon is also said to be considering a plan to deploy an additional 10,000 troops to the Middle East as part of a "final blow" option.

Among the military options reportedly presented to President Trump are blockading or invading Iran’s Kharg Island, a key oil export hub; seizing Larak Island, which Iran uses as a military outpost in the Strait of Hormuz; taking control of three other islands near the strait's western entrance claimed by the United Arab Emirates but controlled by Iran; and interdicting vessels transporting Iranian oil to disrupt its economic lifeline.

Amid these developments, President Trump issued a warning to Iranian leaders to engage seriously in reaching a deal "before it’s too late."

On the diplomatic front, indirect discussions between U.S. and Iranian representatives are being facilitated by several intermediary countries, including Pakistan, Egypt, and Turkey. Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar confirmed his government's role in mediating these talks. U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, leading the American delegation, stated that a 15-point action plan for peace has been presented to Tehran through Pakistan and that there are "strong signs" a deal is possible. Witkoff declined to disclose specific terms, citing the sensitive nature of the discussions and a directive to maintain confidentiality.