"Trump Discussed Resuming Attacks on Iran with Advisors...Settles on Ceasefire Extension as Compromise"

"Iran Abruptly Changes Stance, Talks Collapse"

"Discusses Response Priorities With Advisors, Decides to Maintain Pressure"

AP Yonhap News

The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported on April 21 (local time) that U.S. President Donald Trump asked his aides about the necessity of resuming attacks before making the decision to extend the ceasefire with Iran. The report explained that, in a highly tense situation, Trump chose a compromise by extending the ceasefire, thus averting the worst-case scenario.

According to the WSJ, citing U.S. officials, “President Trump asked his aides whether to resume attacks on Iran after negotiations with Iran broke down even before they began," and added, "While President Trump considered the possibility of resuming airstrikes, he was also extremely wary of reigniting a war with little public support that could drag on into a prolonged conflict."

WSJ also reported that, initially, there was optimism within the White House that a written agreement with Iran could be reached through these negotiations. The private jet of Vice President JD Vance, who headed the U.S. negotiating team, remained on standby at Andrews Joint Base, ready for departure. Pakistani mediators also conveyed a message from Iran’s leadership to the U.S. side, stating that the Iranian negotiating team would travel to Islamabad, Pakistan, the location of the talks.

However, Iran abruptly changed its stance and broke off the talks as the ceasefire deadline set by President Trump approached. As a result, Vice President Vance’s trip to Pakistan was postponed indefinitely. This led President Trump to spend the day at the White House reviewing response scenarios with Vice President Vance, Steve Witkoff, U.S. Special Envoy for the Middle East, and his son-in-law Jared Kushner.

WSJ stated, “During the meeting, aides reportedly informed President Trump that the Iranian government was currently divided and that hardliners in Iran had no intention of yielding to the President’s demands.” The report continued, “Ultimately, President Trump and his aides chose a compromise to maintain indefinite pressure on Iran until they present a concrete proposal.”

As a result, the U.S. government is expected to continue its sanctions and pressure on Iran while closely monitoring the situation until a breakthrough is made to resume negotiations. Following the breakdown of talks with Iran, President Trump posted on his own social media, Truth Social, saying, “Iran is financially collapsing. They are desperate for cash and want the Strait of Hormuz opened immediately. They are losing 500 million dollars a day, and the military and police are complaining because they are not being paid. SOS!”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.