Trump sets April 6 Iran deadline as war objective timeline shifts for seventh time in 31 days

Trump sets an April 6 deadline on March 30, 2026: Iran must reopen the Strait of Hormuz or the U.S. will destroy Iran's power plants, oil wells, and desalination plants. PolitiFact documents that Trump and Defense Secretary Hegseth have shifted their stated war objectives and timeline seven times since Operation Epic Fury began February 28: from four weeks, to five to six weeks, to "pretty much complete," to "over very soon," then open-ended. Hegseth narrowed official U.S. war objectives from five to three in mid-March, scrapping earlier demands for "unconditional surrender" and "a great and acceptable leader" to replace Khamenei. Congress on recess until April 13-14. The War Powers Resolution 60-day clock expires approximately April 28, while Congress is not in session.