Trump Signals Unlikely Extension of Iran Ceasefire Without Deal

President Trump stated that an extension of the two-week ceasefire with Iran is unlikely if no deal is reached before it expires. The ceasefire, which has paused hostilities, is set to end soon, with sources differing on the exact date. Negotiations continue, with interlocutors from Pakistan passing messages that have kept talks alive, focusing on Iran’s nuclear program and regional security.

The U.S. has deployed up to 10,000 additional troops to the region, on top of the 50,000 already there. This move is both reinforcing a blockade of Iranian ports and threatening ground operations if diplomacy fails. The blockade in effect cut off Tehran’s oil sales, which make up nearly 85% of the country’s export revenue.

Iran has vowed retaliation over the blockade while floating proposals for extending the ceasefire that is under active consideration by the U.S. side. However, sources conflict on the expiration date: the Los Angeles Times reported it as Tuesday, while other reports cite Wednesday.

President Trump told Fox Business Network that talks are going so well that an extension of the ceasefire might not be necessary.