Trump extends the ceasefire

The United States halted its attacks on Iran two weeks ago. They were scheduled to resume during the night of April 21–22. However, President Trump decided to extend the ceasefire until Iran presents a “unified proposal.” The blockade of Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz will still remain in effect.

For the time being, the Iranian authorities have not responded to Trump’s decision. According to Reuters, citing the Tasnim news agency, officials in Tehran “have not requested an extension of the ceasefire.” Instead, they have threatened to forcibly break the American blockade of Iranian ports.

The warring parties have not yet met for a second round of negotiations. Iran refuses to engage in talks under constant threats and demands for capitulation. Moreover, President Donald Trump continues to release contradictory statements, among others claiming that Iran “has agreed to everything (regarding negotiations that are not actually taking place)” and that the end of the war is “truly near.” He has made similar claims about Iran’s alleged consent to abandon its stockpiles of enriched uranium.

Trump’s reports are regularly denied by Iranian officials. “In Iran, there remains a deep, historical mistrust toward the actions of the U.S. government, and the unconstructive and contradictory signals from American officials carry a bitter message: they seek Iran’s capitulation. Iranians do not yield to force,” declared Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Monday.

The conflict in the Middle East is shrouded in conflicting reports, which, as we can observe, are primarily disseminated by the administration of the United States under Donald Trump. This creates a difficult atmosphere for conducting serious negotiations between the parties. Should talks be organised, it remains impossible to predict any concessions from either side.