Trump Warns Iran Ceasefire at Risk Without Deal by Wednesday, Blockade Continues
US President Donald Trump indicated a potential breakthrough in peace talks regarding Iran, stating there had been “some pretty good news.” However, he cautioned that the ceasefire in the ongoing conflict may not be extended unless a deal is reached by Wednesday.
Temporary Reopening of the Strait of Hormuz
Earlier, Iran temporarily reopened the Strait of Hormuz following a US-brokered ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon. Despite this development, subsequent statements from both nations raised questions about the speed at which shipping could return to normal through this critical global oil passage.
Speaking aboard Air Force One late Friday, Trump did not elaborate on the nature of the “good news.” He expressed optimism about negotiations, stating, “It seems to be going very well in the Middle East with Iran.” He added that discussions would continue over the weekend and expressed hope for a positive outcome.
Ceasefire Conditions and Ongoing Blockade
Trump emphasized the importance of preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, stating, “You cannot let Iran have a nuclear weapon, and that supersedes everything else.” However, he warned that the ceasefire could end if a long-term agreement is not finalized before its expiration on Wednesday. He confirmed that a US blockade of Iranian ports would remain in effect.
The conflict with Iran, which escalated on February 28 following a US-Israeli attack, has resulted in numerous casualties and driven oil prices higher due to the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a route that previously facilitated about 20% of the world’s oil trade.
Trump mentioned the possibility of direct talks between the US and Iran over the weekend. However, some diplomats expressed skepticism about the feasibility of such meetings in Islamabad, where the discussions are expected to occur.
Diplomatic Efforts and Mediation
Preparations for talks in Islamabad appeared minimal as of Saturday morning. The highest-level US-Iran negotiations since the 1979 Islamic Revolution concluded without an agreement the previous weekend. The key Pakistani mediator, Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir, has been engaged in discussions in Tehran since Wednesday.
A source familiar with the mediation efforts suggested that a meeting between Iran and the US could lead to an initial memorandum of understanding, potentially followed by a comprehensive peace agreement within 60 days.
Iran’s Speaker of Parliament and senior negotiator, Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, indicated on social media that the Strait of Hormuz “will not remain open” if the US blockade continues. Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi announced that the strait was open for all commercial vessels for the duration of the 10-day truce agreed upon by Israel and Lebanon.
Shipping and Security Concerns
Vessel traffic data indicated that approximately 20 ships, including container vessels and tankers, were moving toward the Strait of Hormuz on Friday evening. However, many turned back, and the reasons for this were unclear. Notably, a cruise ship stranded in Dubai, the Celestyal Discovery, successfully crossed the strait and was headed to Oman on Saturday morning, according to Marine Traffic vessel tracking data.
Iran has mandated that all ships crossing the strait coordinate with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. The Defense Ministry stated that military vessels and ships associated with “hostile forces,” namely the US and Israel, would still be prohibited from passing.
Shipping companies have expressed the need for clarifications regarding potential risks, including the presence of mines, before resuming operations through the Gulf’s entry point. The US Navy has warned seafarers that the threat of mines in certain areas of the waterway remains poorly understood, advising caution.
Uncertainties Surrounding Iran’s Nuclear Program
The discussions between Iran and the US also face significant challenges regarding Tehran’s nuclear program, a critical sticking point in peace negotiations. Iran maintains its right to a civilian nuclear energy program, complicating the dialogue.
Trump stated that the US would seek to remove Iran’s stockpiles of enriched uranium. However, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei asserted that the material would not be transferred elsewhere.
A senior Iranian official expressed hope that a preliminary agreement could be reached in the coming days. Oil prices fell by approximately 10%, and global stocks rose on Friday amid expectations of resumed marine traffic through the strait.
Following a video conference on Friday, more than a dozen countries expressed willingness to join an international mission to safeguard shipping in the strait when conditions allow.
A senior Iranian official disclosed that an agreement had been reached to unfreeze billions of dollars in Iranian assets as part of the accord, although no timeline was provided. Trump reiterated that “no money will exchange hands in any way, shape or form.”
During last weekend’s discussions, the US proposed a 20-year suspension of all Iranian nuclear activities, while Iran suggested a halt of three to five years. Reports from two Iranian sources indicated signs of a potential compromise that could involve the removal of part of the stockpile.
Trump remarked that the US might take a measured approach, stating, “We’re going to go in with Iran, at a nice leisurely pace, and go down and start excavating with big machinery.” He added that the materials would be returned to the United States.
Despite Trump’s optimism, Iranian sources indicated that “gaps remained to be resolved” before a preliminary agreement could be finalized. Senior clerics expressed a defiant stance during Friday prayers, with cleric Ahmad Khatami stating, “Our people do not negotiate while being humiliated.”
As reported by www.arnnewscentre.ae.
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Published on 2026-04-17 17:39:00 • By FAME Delivered News Desk