Trump Extends Iran Deadline Amid Growing Global Economic Pressures

President Donald Trump has extended the deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz to April 6, providing a further window for indirect negotiations. The President also confirmed a delay in planned strikes on Iranian power plants at the request of Tehran, citing potential progress in diplomatic channels despite Iran's public rejection of a 15-point U.S. peace proposal. Iranian officials have characterized the American plan as favoring U.S. and Israeli interests, failing to address Tehran's primary concerns. The conflict, now in its first month, is causing significant economic reverberations in East Asia. Industries in the region are reporting surging energy costs and manufacturing disruptions, while China has initiated counter-probes into U.S. trade practices. In a diplomatic shift, the United Arab Emirates has informed Western partners of its willingness to join a multinational maritime task force to secure the Strait of Hormuz and escort commercial vessels. On the international stage, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping held a telephone call to condemn recent Israeli strikes on Iran. Both leaders stressed the need for a diplomatic resolution, with the Russian Foreign Ministry specifically warning the United States against direct military intervention. The U.S. continues to maintain a strategy of 'pressure and dialogue,' supported by additional troop deployments to the region.