Pakistan announces US-Iran talks 'in coming days'

President Donald Trump told Fox News' "The Five" that he was inclined to extend the deadline for Iran to fully open the Strait of Hormuz because Iran allowed oil-carrying vessels to pass safely through it this week.

Trump claimed that Iran asked for a seven-day extension, but he decided to give them 10 days.

“They said to me very nicely, through my people, 'Could we have more time?'" Trump said. "Because we are talking about tomorrow night, which is pretty quick, and if they don't do what they have to do, I will knock out their power plants."

"They asked for seven, and I said, 'I'm going to give you 10,' because they gave me ships," he said.

The president later referred to the ships as a sign that the U.S. was negotiating with the "right people."

-ABC News' Emily Chang and Nicholas Kerr

The Israel Defense Forces announced that more troops are joining its forces currently in southern Lebanon. This comes after Israel's defense minister gave ominous warnings earlier this week and as strikes resume in southern Lebanon.

"The IDF will continue to operate with determination against the Hezbollah terrorist organization, which chose to join the attack on Israel and operate on behalf of the Iranian regime, and will not allow harm to Israeli civilians," the IDF said in a statement.

President Donald Trump said he has extended the deadline for U.S. and Iranian negotiators to reach a deal, during which the U.S. will not target energy facilities.

"As per Iranian Government request, please let this statement serve to represent that I am pausing the period of Energy Plant destruction by 10 Days to Monday, April 6, 2026, at 8 P.M., Eastern Time. Talks are ongoing and, despite erroneous statements to the contrary by the Fake News Media, and others, they are going very well," Trump said in a post on social media Thursday.

Egypt is conveying messages between the U.S. and Iran as part of broader regional efforts to ease tensions and explore negotiations, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty said Thursday, adding that a ministerial‑level meeting on the Iran conflict is expected early next week.

Speaking at a press briefing in Beirut, Abdelatty said there were “common points” regarding the situation, including a shared desire for de-escalation.

“Regarding the Iranian issue, there are some common points related to the desire for de-escalation and the willingness to explore negotiations as a means of resolving existing disputed," he said.

He said Egypt “has been and is currently passing messages between the Iranian and American sides” in coordination with regional partners, including Pakistan and Turkey.

“We are maintaining full coordination,” he said.