Time Running Out on Effort to Prevent Iran War Escalation
April 7—The clock is ticking on a deadline imposed by President Donald Trump for Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz or face devastating attacks on its power and transportation grid. Trump warned at a press conference yesterday that if the Strait was not reopened by 8:00 p.m. EDT tonight, then by midnight all power plants in Iran would be destroyed, plunging the embattled nation into darkness, and that all bridges would be taken out—halting, he said, both military and civilian transport.
Trump dismissed charges that such attacks would be considered war crimes under international law, saying his legal advisers have told him these are valid military targets.
Several sources noted that Trump’s demand has been scaled back and now focuses solely on the Strait issue, rather than a comprehensive peace deal, which has been the subject of multilateral discussions over the past two weeks. Multiple peace proposal outlines have been developed in those talks between the U.S., Tehran, and other parties—but most have been rejected by Iran.
Iran’s Anticipated Counterproposal
Sources close to the White House say they expect a new Iranian proposal—possibly submitted through Istanbul—to meet Trump’s demand before the deadline. The proposal reportedly calls for an immediate ceasefire on all civilian-related targets lasting at least 45 days. The Strait would reopen to all commercial traffic registered with Iran and supervised by the United Nations, provided the ships were not carrying war materials.
Meanwhile, negotiations would continue to finalize a comprehensive peace agreement, addressing remaining issues such as Iran’s nuclear program. These sources say that much of the framework for such a deal is already agreed upon, with only technical details yet to be resolved. Several believe the war has only delayed and disrupted progress toward those goals.
Growing Pressure on Trump from Allies and Within the GOP
"Trump is under enormous pressure from his allies in the Gulf and elsewhere, including Russia and China, to accept any reasonable plan," said a source familiar with the talks. "He’s also under pressure from within his administration and the GOP, who want a decisive end to this increasingly unpopular war."
"But then we get to the other problem," the source continued, "the Netanyahu government in Israel and their allies inside the Administration who don't want Trump to accept anything short of the total annihilation of the Iranian state and its military capabilities. As Trump has become frustrated with Iran’s refusal to surrender, he has started using their rhetoric—talking about 'bombing Iran back to the Stone Age.'"
"Three months ago, I would have said Trump would accept a sensible deal—especially one brokered by China and Russia," the source noted. "His whole brand is being the dealmaker who brings peace where others made war. But now, he sounds like Bibi [Netanyahu]. Almost like a madman. And he’s surrounded by messianic war hawks like [Secretary of War] Pete Hegseth urging him to fulfill his ‘mission from God’ to rid the world of Iranian evil. I don’t know what he’ll do. I really don’t."
A Defining Moment for Trump’s Presidency
This and other sources warn that finding an “exit ramp” from Iran may be Trump’s last chance to save his presidency. The Democrats, the source said, appear willing to let him “sink in the muck of his Iran excursion,” then blame him for its cost—both the potential $1.5 trillion in defense spending and the casualties if American troops set foot in Iran.
"Trump has repeatedly said that his deadline for Iran marks a crucial turning point for them," said the source. "In reality, how he handles this is the most significant moment of his Presidency. I know for a fact that Donald Trump feels he has been played by the Israelis and wants out of this war. But will he now do what is necessary to make that happen? The clock is ticking."