Iran Shuts Down All Communication Channels with US as Trump’s Hormuz Deadline Looms

Iran has closed all diplomatic and indirect communication channels with the United States, including the key backchannel between U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, in a sharp escalation hours before President Donald Trump’s deadline to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

The move, confirmed by Iranian state media and reported by Reuters, comes in direct response to Trump’s increasingly aggressive threats, including a warning that “a whole civilization will die tonight” if no agreement is reached by his 8 p.m. ET deadline.

Trump has repeatedly vowed devastating strikes on Iranian power plants, bridges, and other infrastructure, dubbing the potential action “Power Plant Day, and Bridge Day”, unless Tehran fully reopens the strategic waterway, through which roughly one-fifth of global oil shipments pass. The strait has remained largely closed since the U.S.-Israeli military campaign against Iran began on February 28, 2026.

Regional mediators from Pakistan, Egypt, and Turkey had been working urgently on proposals for a 45-day ceasefire that could pave the way for longer-term de-escalation, with Iran demanding sanctions relief and a permanent end to hostilities rather than temporary measures. A senior U.S. official had described indirect contacts as “positive” earlier Tuesday, raising hopes for a last-minute breakthrough.

However, Iran’s decision to suspend all exchanges eliminates critical off-ramps for diplomacy as the clock ticks down. Iranian civilians have reportedly begun forming human chains around bridges and power stations in a show of defiance against potential U.S. strikes.

The development risks further destabilizing global energy markets, with oil prices climbing amid fears of prolonged disruption. The White House has not immediately commented on Iran’s move, though Trump has signaled both readiness for military action and openness to a deal.

The situation remains highly fluid with the deadline fast approaching.