It will finally be an extension. President Donald Trump announced on his Truth Social network that he would extend the ceasefire with Iran on Tuesday, April 21st, as reported by Le Monde. The conclusion of the agreement was imminent, but both parties did not agree on the exact date.
“He asked us to suspend our offensive against Iran until its leaders and representatives can put forward a joint proposal,” he wrote in his post. This suggests “a serious rift within the Iranian government” that prevents them from formulating a proposal, justifying the extension of the ceasefire.
To reach an agreement and a real end to the conflict, the billionaire believes that time should be given to Tehran. Representatives of the Islamic Republic seem unable to reach an agreement for now, as reported by the New York Post. The American newspaper explains that “the Iranian government is divided between hardliners associated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, closely linked to the ruling Khamenei family, and more moderate leaders, such as President Masoud Pezeshkian.”
It is worth noting that the announcement from the American president comes as new discussions were scheduled to take place in Islamabad, Pakistan at the beginning of the week. The American delegation was supposed to be led by Vice President JD Vance, supported by Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. With no one to negotiate with, the cancellation of the visit of Donald Trump’s right-hand man even preceded the announcement of the ceasefire extension.
Regarding the blockade on the Strait of Hormuz, Donald Trump specified that it would continue until a proposal is submitted by Iran and discussions reach their conclusion, “one way or another.” “I have therefore ordered our armed forces to maintain the blockade and, in all other respects, to remain prepared and operational,” he concluded.
