\n\t\t\t\t\t\tPresident Donald Trump claimed Thursday that backchannel talks with Iran were making progress before extending the deadline for the country to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Now, Iran has until Monday, April 6, at 8 p.m. Eastern to allow movement through the Strait, or face U.S. attacks on its energy plants.In a social media post, Trump said he was delaying what he called the \u201cperiod of Energy Plant destruction\u201d at the request of the Iranian government. He also insisted that \u201ctalks are ongoing\u201d and “going very well.””Very substantial talks going on with respect to Iran. With the right people. You know, I told you about a present, right?” Trump said. At a Cabinet meeting, he said the “present” was when “eight boats” went through the Strait of Hormuz. Trump said the movement was a sign he is dealing with the \u201cright people.” Despite this development, Iran continued to publicly deny direct talks and rejected U.S. proposals to end the conflict. The president warned of potential consequences if Iran does not “permanently abandon their nuclear ambitions.””We’ll see if they want to do it. And if they don’t. We’re their worst nightmare. In the meantime, we’ll just keep blowing them away,” he said.Trump also said he planned to roll out a “variety” of policies Friday to support American farmers. He said farmers are getting hit by higher fertilizer costs tied to the war during planting season. According to UN Trade and Development, about one-third of global seaborne fertilizer trade passes through the Strait of Hormuz.A new outlook from the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development projected that the war could push U.S. inflation to 4.2% this year, driven by energy and potential increases in food prices due to disrupted fertilizer exports.\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n
\t\t\t\t\t\tWASHINGTON \u2014 \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n
President Donald Trump claimed Thursday that backchannel talks with Iran were making progress before extending the deadline for the country to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Now, Iran has until Monday, April 6, at 8 p.m. Eastern to allow movement through the Strait, or face U.S. attacks on its energy plants.<\/p>\n