Trump: Iran Ceasefire Extension Small, Hormuz Remains Blockaded!
President Donald Trump said it was "very unlikely" he would extend the two-week ceasefire with Iran if a deal is not reached before its expiration. In an interview Monday (April 20), Trump also confirmed the Strait of Hormuz would remain blockaded until a final agreement is signed.
Trump said Vice President JD Vance would depart the same day to continue negotiations in Pakistan, which is likely to take place on Tuesday. He dismissed any time pressure, saying he would not "rush into a bad deal," and emphasized the ceasefire deadline was Wednesday night Washington time.
The statement kept the market focused on risks to global energy supply, after oil prices rallied as the US maintained the blockade and the Navy seized an Iranian-flagged vessel. Trump stated that he would not open the Strait of Hormuz, even though, he said, Iran "really wants" it to be opened, with a reopening only considered after the deal is signed.
From Tehran, Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei said Iran did not plan to attend potential negotiations, although a final decision had not been made. Baghaei assessed that there were indications of a lack of US seriousness in pursuing diplomacy, widening uncertainty ahead of the ceasefire deadline.
Trump said a meeting with Iran to discuss peace terms could benefit all parties and that he was even open to attending in person, though he considered it unnecessary. However, when asked whether fighting would re-emerge if no agreement was reached, Trump said he "definitely" expected it, while Iran was reportedly reviewing a US proposal brought by Pakistani military chief Asim Munir, without disclosing details. (gn)*
Source: Newsmaker.id
