Trump Deems Extension of Iran Ceasefire 'Highly Unlikely'
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Washington, April 21 (NationPress) US President Donald Trump stated that it is "highly unlikely" he will prolong a two-week ceasefire with Iran if a deal is not finalized before the agreement concludes this week, as reported by Bloomberg.
In a phone interview, Trump indicated that the Strait of Hormuz would remain obstructed until a peace agreement is established.
"They want me to open it. The Iranians desperately want it opened. I'm not opening it until a deal is signed," Trump remarked. Following this blockade, oil prices surged, especially after the US Navy seized an Iranian-flagged vessel over the weekend, according to Xinhua news agency.
"I'm not going to be rushed into making a bad deal. We've got all the time in the world," he emphasized.
He announced that the truce, which he declared on April 7, is set to expire on Wednesday evening US Eastern Time.
When asked if he anticipates strikes to recommence immediately afterward if no agreement is reached, Trump replied: "If there's no deal, I would certainly expect."
In a Monday morning conversation with PBS News, Trump warned that if the ceasefire with Iran lapses, "then lots of bombs start going off."
Regarding the participation of Iranian negotiators in upcoming discussions in Islamabad, Trump commented: "I don't know. I mean, they're supposed to be there. We agreed to be there, although they say we didn't. But no, it was set up. And we'll see whether or not it's there. If they're not there, that's fine too."
He also informed the New York Post that US Vice President JD Vance is scheduled to travel to Pakistan for the second round of negotiations with Iranian officials. As reported by The New York Times, citing two US officials, Vance is expected to depart Washington for Pakistan on Tuesday.
Trump expressed his willingness to meet with senior Iranian leaders if a significant breakthrough occurs. However, he noted in a conversation with Bloomberg that he does not believe it will be necessary for him to attend the discussions in person.
As of Monday morning, US forces have redirected 27 ships to or from Iranian ports, according to the US Central Command.