Trump Says Ceasefire Done Weds Evening, Unlikely to Extend Further

Bloomberg's Jeff Mason said that the president told him that the temporary ceasefire between the US and Iran will now end Wednesday evening, but that it is unlikely to extend beyond that. Mason said that his phone call from the President contained mixed messages, Trump's choice to add another day to the truce at odds with his stance that he will not extend it further if a deal is not reached by negotiators in Islamabad.

US President Donald Trump said he’s not likely to extend the two-week ceasefire with Iran, increasing the urgency for negotiators to conclude a deal to end the war.

Trump said in a Monday phone interview that the truce, which he announced April 7, expires on “Wednesday evening Washington time” — possibly buying more time for negotiations. But the president also said it’s “highly unlikely that I’d extend it” if no deal is reached before then.

“I’m not going to be rushed into making a bad deal. We’ve got all the time in the world,” the president said.

In the interview, Trump reiterated that the Strait of Hormuz would stay blockaded for now, saying “the Iranians desperately want it opened. I’m not opening it until a deal is signed.” Iran previously said it would open the critical waterway for energy supplies to international shipping, but reversed that decision in light of Trump’s refusal to follow suit.

Details about the next negotiating session, expected to take place in Pakistan, started to came into focus on Monday. Iran is also sending a team, according to people familiar with the plans who declined to be identified, although it is not clear who would lead the delegation. Earlier, Tehran said it was hesitant to participate in further peace talks with the US.

Vice President JD Vance is leaving later on Monday to resume negotiations, “either Tuesday night or Wednesday morning,” Trump said. He is expected to be joined by Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner and special envoy Steve Witkoff.

The president sounded an optimistic note about the discussions, saying he would love to participate in person, but did not think it would be necessary.

“There’s going to be a meeting. They want a meeting, and they should want a meeting. And it can work out well,” Trump said.

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