Donald Trump extends ceasefire with Iran while maintaining naval blockade
US President Donald Trump announced an indefinite extension of the ceasefire with Iran on Tuesday, April 21, following a request by Pakistani mediators. Despite the truce extension, Trump confirmed that the US Navy’s blockade of Iranian ports will remain in effect, describing it as an economic necessity. Iran has not officially confirmed the extension, with some officials labeling the move a tactical ploy for a potential future strike. Mahdi Mohammadi, an adviser to the Iranian Parliament Speaker, characterized the blockade as an act equivalent to military aggression and called for military retaliation. While Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised the decision as a step toward peace, Iranian sources indicated they would only return to talks if the US drops its policy of pressure and threats. The US administration continues to wait for a unified proposal from Tehran to conclude the armed conflict. Meanwhile, tensions remain high as military units on both sides maintain a state of high readiness.