WASHINGTON: Donald Trump said on Tuesday he does not want to extend the current ceasefire with Iran, warning that the United States could resume military action if a deal is not reached soon.
Speaking to CNBC, Trump said Washington was negotiating from a position of strength and remained prepared to escalate. “I don’t want to do that. We don’t have that much time,” he said when asked about extending the truce, adding that he expected the US would secure what he described as a “great deal”.
He also signalled a return to military action if talks fail. “I expect to be bombing because I think that’s a better attitude to go in with. But we’re ready to go. I mean, the military is raring to go,” he said.
The remarks came as the US military said it had seized a tanker linked to Iran in international waters, in what appears to be part of efforts to enforce a blockade. The vessel, identified as the Tifani, was boarded “without incident”, according to United States Central Command. The tanker, capable of carrying 2 million barrels of crude, had last reported its position near Sri Lanka and was signalling Singapore as its destination.
“As we have made clear, we will pursue global maritime enforcement efforts to disrupt illicit networks and interdict sanctioned vessels providing material support to Iran – anywhere they operate,” the command said.
Trump also accused Tehran of repeatedly violating the ceasefire, though he did not provide details. There was no immediate response from Iran on the tanker seizure, but the move could complicate efforts to revive diplomacy. Tehran has said the blockade of its ports constitutes a violation of the truce and insists it will not negotiate while restrictions remain in place.
Iran-US talks up in the air
With the final hours of the two-week ceasefire approaching, uncertainty continues to surround a possible new round of talks in Islamabad. Washington has expressed confidence that negotiations will proceed, while an Iranian official said Tehran is still considering participation.
Iranian sources told Reuters no final decision has been made, although there are indications of momentum. Pakistani officials said delegations, if they attend, are not expected before Wednesday, leaving limited time to reach an agreement before the truce expires.
Trump has warned he could restart military operations, including strikes on civilian infrastructure, if Iran refuses US terms. A previous round of talks held 10 days ago ended without agreement, with Tehran opposing further discussions amid the ongoing blockade and the seizure of Iranian-linked vessels.
Still, a Pakistani source involved in the process said talks could resume as early as Wednesday, with JD Vance expected in Islamabad. An Iranian official said Tehran was “positively reviewing” participation but was waiting for its conditions to be addressed, including recognition of its right to enrich uranium.
Markets reacted cautiously to the diplomatic signals. Oil prices eased slightly after rising about 6% a day earlier, while Asian stocks recovered on expectations that talks might proceed.
A senior Iranian military commander warned of an “immediate and decisive response” to any renewed US action, according to Tasnim news agency. Meanwhile, senior Iranian figure Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf accused Trump of increasing pressure through the blockade and attempting to force concessions.
Strait tensions
Iran said one of its tankers had successfully entered territorial waters from the Arabian Sea with naval support despite US warnings. At the same time, Tehran has largely closed the Strait of Hormuz to foreign vessels, reversing an earlier decision to reopen it after Washington refused to lift sanctions.
The closure has disrupted the flow of roughly 20 million barrels of oil per day, intensifying concerns over global energy supplies and economic stability.
Nuclear dispute
A key sticking point remains Iran’s nuclear programme. Trump has insisted any agreement must prevent Tehran from developing nuclear weapons and has called for it to relinquish its stockpile of highly enriched uranium.
Iran, which maintains its nuclear activities are for peaceful purposes, is seeking sanctions relief while preserving elements of its programme. Analysts say Tehran may be leveraging its control over the Strait of Hormuz to strengthen its negotiating position.
The ceasefire, initially announced on April 7, is expected to expire late on April 22, with only a narrow window left for diplomacy. The conflict has already caused significant casualties and sent shockwaves through global energy markets, raising fears of wider economic fallout.
Pakistan has stepped up preparations to host the talks, deploying nearly 20,000 security personnel across Islamabad amid the uncertainty.
