Trump does not view Iran ship seizures as ceasefire breach, White House says amid tensions
WASHINGTON, DC: White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said on Wednesday, April 22, that President Donald Trump does not consider Iran’s seizure of two vessels in the Strait of Hormuz a violation of the ceasefire.
“These were not US ships. These were not Israeli ships. These were two international vessels,” Leavitt said, signaling that Washington does not view the incident as a direct breach of the truce.
Leavitt calls Iran’s actions ‘piracy’
Despite dismissing the seizures as a ceasefire violation, Leavitt sharply criticized Iran’s conduct, accusing its naval forces of behaving like “pirates.”
She said the vessels were intercepted by “speedy gunboats” and argued that Tehran lacks control over the strategic waterway.
Calling the move “piracy on display,” she maintained that the US naval blockade in the region remains “incredibly effective.”
Earlier in the day, Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said it had seized two ships allegedly operating without authorization and violating maritime regulations. Iranian media also reported that a third, Greek-owned vessel had been targeted and disabled off Iran’s coast.
Leavitt minimized the scale of the incident, contrasting it with broader US naval operations and suggesting the seizures were minor in comparison.
Trump satisfied with pressure campaign
The White House also indicated that Trump is content with the ongoing economic pressure campaign against Iran, pointing to the country’s financial strain.
“They can’t even pay their own people as a result of this economic leverage,” Leavitt said, adding that the administration is waiting for Tehran’s response.
.@PressSec: "The President chose to extend the ceasefire because it's Iran who needs to get their act together. The United States and @POTUS have been very clear in our demands, and our red lines, and what we need to see... from the very beginning." pic.twitter.com/DWvUeiFWm5
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) April 22, 2026
Leavitt says no fixed timeline for diplomacy
Leavitt clarified that Trump has not set a firm deadline for Iran to return to negotiations, despite reports suggesting otherwise. She declined to offer any timetable for resolving the conflict, emphasizing that the president will determine the pace of developments.
“The timeline will be dictated by the commander in chief,” she said, reiterating that Washington believes Iran is in a weakened position as tensions continue.
