Trump: "Ceasefire Extension Unlikely... Ceasefire Ends on the Evening of the 22nd"

U.S. President Donald Trump. White House

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U.S. President Donald Trump stated on the 20th (local time) that the ceasefire with Iran is valid until the 22nd, and that the possibility of extending the ceasefire period is very low.

In a phone interview with Bloomberg that day, President Trump said of the ceasefire announced on the 7th, "It will expire on Wednesday evening, Washington time," and made these remarks.

The United States and Iran agreed to a two-week ceasefire on the 7th. Accordingly, the ceasefire deadline was initially reported as the 21st, but it appears that the period has been extended by one day by interpreting it as "Washington time."

Instead, President Trump said the possibility of an extension was "very low," adding, "I will not rush to make a bad deal. We have plenty of time."

He further remarked, "Didn't the Vietnam War last for decades? Afghanistan also continued for years," and added, "I will not rush into a bad deal because of rebellious members of the House and Senate."

President Trump also stated, "Iranians are desperate for the Strait of Hormuz to be opened," and said, "I will not lift the maritime blockade until an agreement is signed."

Earlier, Iran reopened the Strait of Hormuz to general merchant vessels following the decision for a second round of talks. However, as President Trump continued the counter-blockade against Iranian waters, Iran reversed the reopening measure. Tensions escalated when, the previous day, U.S. forces seized an Iranian cargo ship that was headed from China to Iranian waters.

However, Bloomberg interpreted President Trump's direct mention of a second round of talks and Iran's ongoing dialogue with Pakistan, the mediating country, as signs that both sides continue efforts to end the conflict.

Recently, President Trump has been issuing mixed messages regarding the negotiations. Citing White House officials, Bloomberg reported that this is to create "strategic ambiguity" that can be leveraged in negotiations. However, Bloomberg also pointed out that such uncertainty could risk misunderstandings, especially when combined with divisions within Iran's leadership.

Despite these circumstances, Bloomberg reported that White House officials still believe there is a high possibility that a deal to effectively end the war could be reached within the next few days.

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