Franco Ordonez

Thank you, Leila.

Trump often uses kind of this belligerent language, and these latest threats were really quite breathtaking even for him.

But it's never really a bad thing to avoid the dire scenario that he was painting.

But by backing down, Trump does kind of risk damaging his credibility.

You know, he's likely to face even more criticism now that he has a reputation of backing down from this most threatening rhetoric.

NPR's Franco Ordonez reports.

Trump says he's giving Iran more time to reopen the Strait of Hormuz as talks with Tehran continue.

He made the announcement on social media, writing, I am pausing the period of energy plant destruction by 10 days to Monday, April 6, 2026 at 8 p.m.

Eastern Time.

At an earlier cabinet meeting, Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff confirmed that the U.S.

had presented Iran with what he described as a foundation of a framework for a peace plan via Pakistan, which is acting as a mediator.

While Witkoff said the 15-point action plan has resulted in, quote, strong and positive messaging and talks, Iran publicly has told Reuters that the proposal was unfair and one-sided.

Franco Ordonez, NPR News.

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I'm not going to tell you what that present is, but it was a very significant prize.

And they gave it to us and they said they were going to give it.

So that meant one thing to me would deal with the right people.

It really fits his MO.

This is how he prefers to negotiate.