Trump Considers Ending Ceasefire with Iran Amid Ongoing Negotiations
Trump's Remarks on Ceasefire and Future Negotiations
Washington DC: On Tuesday evening, President Donald Trump indicated that he might not extend the current 14-day ceasefire with Iran, which is set to expire on April 22. In an interview with ABC News, he suggested that the ceasefire could end without renewal, while also hinting at a potential long-term resolution to the ongoing tensions between the two nations. Trump expressed optimism about the upcoming days, stating, "I think you’re going to be watching an amazing two days ahead. I really do." He emphasized that a deal would be more beneficial for Iran, allowing them to rebuild, and noted, "They really do have a different regime now. No matter what, we took out the radicals. They’re gone, no longer with us."
Conditions for US-Iran Talks: Earlier, Trump outlined two key conditions for the next round of peace discussions with Iran. He insisted that Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) must fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz and that the Iranian delegation should have complete authority from the IRGC to finalize any peace agreement, as reported by a news outlet. Trump also mentioned that the US would restrict the movement of Iranian vessels if the IRGC imposes limitations in the Strait of Hormuz.
During a conversation with the New York Post, Trump revealed that US and Iranian officials might meet within the next two days, with Islamabad being a potential location. He hinted at returning to Hotel Serena, where the first round of talks took place on April 11, saying, "You should stay there… something could be happening over the next two days, and we’re more inclined to go there." He added, "It's more likely, you know why? Because the field marshal is doing a great job." The previous round of discussions, led by US Vice President JD Vance and Iranian Parliament Speaker MB Ghalibaf, lasted over 20 hours but ended without a resolution.
Outcome of Initial Talks: The discussions covered various critical topics, including the Strait of Hormuz, the unfreezing of Iranian assets, a ceasefire in Lebanon, compensation for Iran’s infrastructure losses, and Tehran’s nuclear program. However, the talks did not result in any agreements, primarily due to Iran's firm stance on maintaining its nuclear program, which hindered progress.