April 22, (THEWILL) — U.S. President Donald Trump has extended the two-week ceasefire with Iran, even as diplomatic efforts remain uncertain.
Speaking on Tuesday via his Truth Social platform, Trump, however, emphasised that the United States will continue its blockade against Iran.
“We will extend the ceasefire until discussions are concluded one way or the other”, Trump said.
Despite the extension, there is little evidence of real diplomatic momentum. Iran has not confirmed participation in the next round of talks. Mahdi Mohammadi, a senior adviser to Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, dismissed Trump’s announcement, saying it “means nothing.” Ghalibaf had led the first round of negotiations with the US in Islamabad.
Further uncertainty surrounds the planned second round of talks in Pakistan. U.S. Vice President, JD Vance, who is expected to lead the American delegation, has yet to depart Washington despite earlier plans to travel for the negotiations.
At the heart of the impasse are long-standing disputes, including Iran’s nuclear ambitions, U.S. sanctions, military positioning in the Gulf, and control over strategic shipping routes.
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