Trump Issues Final Iran Deadline as US-Israel Conflict Escalates and UK Stays Out of Offensive
US President Donald Trump has issued what he described as a final deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and agree to a deal, warning that "all hell is going to break out" if Tehran fails to comply by Tuesday evening — as the UK government confirmed it will not participate in any offensive military action against Iran.
Trump, speaking on Monday 6 April, dismissed Iran's 10-point ceasefire proposal — submitted through Pakistani mediators — as "significant" but "not good enough," and rejected calls to extend the deadline. "Highly unlikely. They've had plenty of time. In fact, they asked for seven days. I said, I'm going to give you 10. But at the end of 10, all hell's going to break out if you don't get there," Trump said.
Background
The conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran has been escalating for several weeks, with US and Israeli forces conducting extensive air operations over Iranian territory. Trump claimed that US armed forces had carried out more than 10,000 combat flights over Iran in the past 37 days. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz — through which approximately 20% of the world's oil supply passes — has sent global oil prices surging, with US crude rising to around $114 per barrel on Monday.
The conflict has already had significant consequences for the UK and Ireland, with Storm Dave's disruption to Easter travel compounded by soaring fuel prices driven by the crisis. Ireland's government has cut excise duties on diesel and petrol in response, while opposition parties in Dublin have called for the Dáil to be recalled to address the fuel crisis.
Key Developments
A UK cabinet minister confirmed on Monday that Britain will not engage in offensive military action against Iran, though the UK has previously been involved in defensive operations, including downing Iranian drones. The International Committee of the Red Cross and the European Union have both condemned threats against civilian infrastructure, with EU Council President António Costa warning that targeting energy facilities would be "illegal and unacceptable."
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) chief Rafael Grossi warned that attacks near Iran's Bushehr nuclear power plant "pose a very real danger to nuclear safety and must stop," confirming that one strike had hit just 75 metres from the plant's perimeter.
Iran's Revolutionary Guards vowed a "major retaliatory strike" following the assassination of intelligence chief Major General Majid Khademi, while Iran confirmed it would not reopen the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for a temporary ceasefire, insisting on a permanent end to hostilities.
Why It Matters
The conflict has profound implications for the UK and Ireland. Rising oil prices are feeding directly into fuel costs for consumers and businesses, while the disruption to global shipping routes is affecting supply chains across multiple sectors. The UK government faces pressure to do more to protect British consumers from the economic fallout while maintaining its position outside the direct military conflict.
What's Next
All eyes are on Tuesday's deadline, with diplomatic efforts continuing through Pakistani and Egyptian intermediaries. The outcome of the next 24 hours could determine whether the conflict escalates dramatically or whether a framework for negotiations can be established. Live updates are available at The Guardian.
