India, April 7 -- US President Donald Trump is facing a critical decision under a tight deadline: whether to carry out his threat to destroy Iran's infrastructure starting at 8 pm ET (5:30 am IST), or extend the timeline to allow negotiations to progress.

"If the president sees a deal is coming together, he'll probably hold off. But only he and he alone makes that decision," a senior administration official told Axios. A defence official, however, said they were "skeptical" that there would be any extension this time.

Trump has warned of striking key infrastructure targets, including bridges and power plants, a move that could have severe consequences for civilians and risk escalating retaliation across the region.

Mediators from Pakis...