President Trump Signals Iran Ceasefire May End As Strait Of Hormuz Tensions Rise

US President Donald Trump has indicated a temporary ceasefire with Iran is unlikely to extend beyond its current deadline, raising the prospect of renewed hostilities if both sides fail to secure an agreement in time.

In remarks reported by Bloomberg, Trump said the two-week truce, announced earlier this month, would lapse later this week and suggested there was little appetite in Washington for prolonging it without a concrete deal.

The US President also said restrictions around the Strait of Hormuz will remain in place until both sides finalise an agreement.

The waterway, a critical route for global oil shipments, has been at the centre of escalating tensions, with the United States maintaining a blockade and intercepting vessels linked to Iran.

“They want me to open it. The Iranians desperately want it opened. I’m not opening it until a deal is signed,” Trump said, adding that he would not be pressured into what he described as an unfavourable arrangement.

Energy markets reacted to the developments, with oil prices rising as uncertainty persisted.

According to Xinhua News Agency, the US Navy recently seized an Iranian-flagged ship, further intensifying the standoff.

Ceasefire Timeline

Trump stated that the ceasefire, introduced on 7 April, is due to expire on Wednesday evening US Eastern Time.

When asked about the likelihood of military action resuming immediately after, the US President said negotiations would likely fail and trigger escalation.

In a separate interview with PBS News, Trump warned that the end of the truce could lead to a rapid deterioration in the situation.

Uncertainty also surrounds the next round of diplomatic engagement.

Trump said it remains unclear whether Iranian representatives will attend planned discussions in Islamabad, despite earlier indications that both sides had agreed to participate.

The US President told The New York Post that JD Vance will likely travel to Pakistan for the talks, with The New York Times reporting that the visit could take place as early as Tuesday.

While Donald Trump signalled openness to meet senior Iranian officials if progress occurs, remarks to Bloomberg indicate personal attendance at the negotiations remains unnecessary.

United States Central Command said American forces have recently turned back multiple vessels travelling to and from Iranian ports, underscoring the continued strain in the region.

Also Read: President Trump Signals Tougher Iran Deal As JCPOA Talks Remain Uncertain