Trump extends Hormuz shipping ultimatum deadline to 8 PM ET April 7 — threatens strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure and bridges if Iran persists

President Donald Trump extended the Hormuz ultimatum deadline to 8:00 PM ET on April 7, providing Iran with approximately 48 additional hours to cease attacks on shipping through the Strait. The extension followed a prior deadline of April 6 and came amid reports of ongoing discussions with Iranian officials. In Truth Social posts, Trump threatened to attack Iranian energy infrastructure and bridges if Iran continues attacking shipping after the new deadline passes. The threat represents a significant escalation beyond the current US strike campaign, which has focused primarily on military and regime infrastructure. Iran's response was swift and defiant. Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei stated on April 5 that Iranian forces would continue threatening shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, directly rejecting Trump's ultimatum. This statement effectively sets up a collision between US threats and Iranian resolve at the April 7 deadline. Pakistan has proposed a 45-day ceasefire framework tied to reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held a phone call with Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on April 5 to discuss the mediation effort. However, media readouts did not indicate Iran had agreed to any concrete terms. Long War Journal reported that Iran rejected the US-backed proposal and instead pushed for 'broader maximalist terms,' suggesting Tehran is using the diplomatic channel to negotiate from a position of perceived strength rather than seeking de-escalation. The April 7 deadline creates the most significant escalation trigger of the conflict to date. If Iran does not comply — and Mojtaba's statement suggests it will not — US strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure (power plants, oil facilities) and transportation infrastructure (bridges) would represent a fundamental shift in targeting strategy with profound economic and humanitarian consequences.