President Donald Trump has extended a moratorium on military strikes against Iran’s energy sector for an additional ten days, pushing the deadline for potential escalation to April 6.
The administration stated the delay is intended to facilitate ongoing peace negotiations currently being mediated through third-party channels.
While the president emphasizes a diplomatic window, the Pentagon is reportedly developing plans to deploy up to 10,000 additional ground troops to the Middle East.
Defense Department officials stated these forces would provide the White House with expanded military options should talks fail to produce a resolution.
The extension follows conflicting accounts regarding the motivation for the delay.
President Trump indicated the move was made at the request of Iranian leadership, though mediators involved in the discussions suggested no such request was formally submitted by Tehran during recent sessions.
Despite the pause in energy-related strikes, maritime tensions in the region have shown signs of both de-escalation and targeted violence.
Iran recently allowed several Pakistan-flagged oil tankers to transit the Strait of Hormuz, a move President Trump described as a "present" that demonstrates a serious commitment to negotiation.
Simultaneously, indirect communication remains active through Pakistani officials.
The government in Islamabad confirmed it is relaying messages and U.S. proposals to Tehran, noting that Iranian officials are currently reviewing the terms of a potential ceasefire framework submitted by Washington.
However, the battlefield situation remains volatile following a high-profile Israeli operation.
Israeli defense officials confirmed an overnight strike killed the commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy, alleging he was directly responsible for recent mining activities and the blocking of the strait.
In response to the strike, the head of U.S. Central Command issued a direct appeal to Iranian naval forces.
The commander urged personnel to abandon their posts immediately or face the risk of lethal force as the U.S. maintains its combat posture in the region.
Legislative oversight of the conflict, dubbed Operation Epic Fury, is expected to intensify next month.
The Senate Armed Services Committee announced plans to hold its first public hearing on the war once senators return from their spring recess in mid-April.