Trump announces extension of Iran ceasefire until ‘discussion concluded’

Weather ePaper Today’s Paper Journalism of Courage Home ePaper Politics Explained Opinion India Business Premium Cities UPSC Entertainment Sports World Lifestyle Tech Subscribe Sign In TrendingUPSC OfferIPL 2026US NewsPuzzles & GamesLegal NewsFresh TakeHealthResearch🎙️ Podcast Advertisement NewsWorldUS NewsTrump announces extension of Iran ceasefire until ‘discussion concluded’ Trump announces extension of Iran ceasefire until ‘discussion concluded’ Declaration comes amid intense efforts to bring two sides together in Pakistan for new round of talks. By: Express Global Desk 2 min readApr 22, 2026 05:30 AM IST First published on: Apr 22, 2026 at 05:30 AM IST Make us preferred source on Google Share Comments Bookmark Bookmark Print Share Whatsapp twitter Facebook President Donald Trump speaks during an event for NCAA national champions in the State Dining Room of the White House. (Photo: AP) US President Donald Trump on Tuesday said the United States would extend its two-week ceasefire with Iran, reversing earlier remarks that military action was imminent and linking the move to renewed diplomatic efforts. Hours after saying he “expected to be bombing”, Trump said the ceasefire would continue until Iranian negotiators present a unified proposal. “Based on the fact that the Government of Iran is seriously fractured … and upon the request of Field Marshal Asim Munir and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif … we have been asked to hold our attack,” he wrote on Truth Social. He added that the US military would maintain its blockade and “remain ready and able” while talks continue. The announcement followed a day of mixed signals from Washington, including the postponement of Vice-President JD Vance’s planned visit to Islamabad and renewed warnings that US forces were prepared for action. Earlier, Trump told CNBC he did not favour extending the ceasefire, saying the US was in a strong position and would secure “a great deal”. Iranian officials responded by rejecting the extension and questioning US intent. Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said negotiations could not take place “under the shadow of threats”. His adviser, Mahdi Mohammadi, described the move as “a ploy to buy time for a surprise strike” and said continued pressure should be met with a military response. State television said no Iranian delegation had travelled to Islamabad, contradicting expectations of imminent talks. Pakistan, which has been facilitating contacts, welcomed the extension. Sharif said Islamabad would continue efforts toward a negotiated settlement. A first round of talks in Islamabad ended without agreement on reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route closed by Iran early in the conflict. The US has imposed a blockade on Iranian ports and in recent days seized vessels linked to Iranian oil shipments. Tehran has called the actions “piracy” and questioned Washington’s commitment to diplomacy. Officials in Islamabad said efforts were ongoing to bring Iran back to the table, amid heightened security in the city ahead of a possible second round of talks. The Express Global Desk at The Indian Express delivers authoritative, verified, and context-driven coverage of key international developments shaping global politics, policy, and migration trends. The desk focuses on stories with direct relevance for Indian and global audiences, combining breaking news with in-depth explainers and analysis. A major focus area of the desk is US immigration and visa policy, including developments related to student visas, work permits, permanent residency pathways, executive actions, and court rulings. The Global Desk also closely tracks Canada’s immigration, visa, and study policies, covering changes to study permits, post-study work options, permanent residence programmes, and regulatory updates affecting migrants and international students. All reporting from the Global Desk adheres to The Indian Express’ editorial standards, relying on official data, government notifications, court documents, and on-record sources. The desk prioritises clarity, accuracy, and accountability, ensuring readers can navigate complex global systems with confidence. Core Team The Express Global Desk is led by a team of experienced journalists and editors with deep expertise in international affairs and migration policy: Aniruddha Dhar – Senior Assistant Editor with extensive experience in global affairs, international politics, and editorial leadership. Nischai Vats – Deputy Copy Editor specialising in US politics, US visa and immigration policy, and policy-driven international coverage. Mashkoora Khan – Sub-editor focusing on global developments, with a strong emphasis on Canada visa, immigration, and study-related policy coverage. ... Read More