Trump announces extension of 2-week ceasefire with Iran until ‘discussions are concluded’

WASHINGTON, D.C.: President Donald Trump announced the extension of the two-week US ceasefire with Iran until the talks between the two countries are “concluded.”

He shared on his Truth Social post that the decision was taken at the request of Pakistani mediators and also blamed the “fractured” government of Tehran for the delay. Initially the truce was set to end on Wednesday, April 22.

Trump holds attack against Iran until 'unified proposal'

In his social media post on Tuesday, Trump wrote, “Based on the fact that the Government of Iran is seriously fractured, not unexpectedly so and, upon the request of Field Marshal Asim Munir, and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, of Pakistan, we have been asked to hold our Attack on the Country of Iran until such time as their leaders and representatives can come up with a unified proposal.”

The Republican leader, however, noted in the post that he’s directed the US military to “continue the Blockade and, in all other respects, remain ready and able.”

Concluding his statement, Trump once again added that he’s extending the ceasefire “until such time as their proposal is submitted, and discussions are concluded, one way or the other.”

Iran official slams ceasefire, calls it ‘ploy to buy time for surprise strike’

But the US commander-in-chief did not give a specific deadline. Iran has not issued any statement in response but as per an advisor to the speaker of Iran’s parliament, Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, the ceasefire extension is “a ploy to buy time for a surprise strike”.

In an X post, the advisor Mahdi Mohammadi said, “Trump's ceasefire extension means nothing. The losing side cannot dictate terms. The continuation of the siege is no different from bombardment and must be met with a military response. The time for Iran to take the initiative has come.”

Trump claimed US in ‘very strong negotiating position’ with Iran

Meanwhile, the latest statement by Trump came after earlier on Tuesday he sat down for an interview with CNBC’s Squawk Box talking about the US-Iran war that has been going on since February 28.

He claimed, “What I think is that we’re going to end up with a great deal. I think they have no choice… We’re in a very strong negotiating position to do what other Presidents should’ve done during a 47-year period — we’ve had 47 years with these bloodthirsty people.”

When asked about the possibility of failure of negotiations with Iran, Trump added, “I expect to be bombing because I think that’s a better attitude to go in with — but we’re ready to go.”