The Iranian Revolutionary Guards issued a stark warning to civilians across the Middle East on Friday, urging them to avoid proximity to American military installations. This advisory emerged shortly after President Donald Trump extended the deadline for Iran to reopen the strategic Strait of Hormuz, moving it from Friday to April 6.
Trump asserted the extension responded to Tehran’s request for additional negotiation time, stating that talks to conclude the month-long regional conflict were progressing positively. However, Iran’s military posture indicated no de-escalation, with continued reprisal operations against Israeli targets and Gulf assets.
The Revolutionary Guards accused ‘cowardly American-Zionist forces’ of employing human shields and explicitly warned regional civilians: ‘We recommend that you urgently leave locations where American forces are stationed so that no harm comes to you.’ This statement followed Iran’s threat to target hotels accommodating U.S. military personnel throughout the region.
Concurrently, Kuwait reported damage to its primary commercial port from a dawn drone attack. The Guards additionally declared the Strait of Hormuz ‘closed’ to vessels traveling to and from enemy ports, claiming to have turned back three container ships attempting passage.
Global economic repercussions intensified as oil prices and stock markets showed mixed responses to Trump’s deadline extension. Japan announced temporary easing of restrictions on coal-fired power plants to address energy shortages, while Vietnam implemented temporary fuel tax waivers.
Diplomatic efforts continued as U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with G7 counterparts in France. British Foreign Minister Yvette Cooper emphasized the necessity for swift conflict resolution, stating ‘Iran cannot be able to just hold the global economy hostage.’
Negotiations center on a 15-point U.S. proposal delivered through Pakistani intermediaries, with Iran reportedly demanding war reparations, recognition of its sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz, and cessation of attacks on Iranian territory and allied regional groups including Lebanon’s Hezbollah.
UN Human Rights Chief Volker Turk urged Washington to complete its investigation into a deadly strike on an Iranian elementary school that occurred during the conflict’s initial days, calling for accountability for ‘the terrible harm done.’
Meanwhile, Israeli forces conducted fresh strikes in Tehran, Qom, and Urmia, targeting infrastructure. The attacks occurred amid concerns voiced by Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid regarding the military being ‘stretched to the limit and beyond’ after weeks of sustained operations.