Trump Warns Iran Ceasefire at Risk Without Deal by Wednesday, Blockade to Continue
US President Donald Trump has indicated a cautious optimism regarding peace negotiations with Iran, stating that there has been “some pretty good news.” However, he warned that the current ceasefire may not be extended unless a deal is reached by Wednesday. This statement comes amid ongoing tensions and military actions in the Middle East.
Recent Developments in the Strait of Hormuz
Iran recently reopened the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime route for global oil trade, following a US-brokered ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon. Despite this reopening, uncertainty remains regarding the speed at which shipping operations can normalize. Trump, speaking aboard Air Force One, refrained from detailing the nature of the positive developments he referenced.
Ceasefire and Ongoing Negotiations
While Trump expressed optimism about negotiations taking place over the weekend, he emphasized that the primary goal remains preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. He stated, “You cannot let Iran have a nuclear weapon, and that supersedes everything else.” However, he also indicated that the ceasefire could be terminated if a long-term agreement is not reached before its expiration.
The conflict with Iran, which escalated following a US-Israeli attack on February 28, has resulted in significant casualties and has driven oil prices higher due to the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which previously facilitated about 20% of the world’s oil trade.
Diplomatic Efforts and Challenges
Trump suggested that direct talks between the US and Iran could occur this weekend, although some diplomats expressed skepticism about the feasibility of such discussions in Islamabad, the anticipated location for the talks. Preparations for these high-level negotiations, which have not occurred since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, appeared absent as of Saturday morning.
Field Marshal Asim Munir, Pakistan’s army chief and key mediator, has been engaged in discussions in Tehran since Wednesday. A source familiar with the mediation efforts indicated that a meeting could yield an initial memorandum of understanding, potentially paving the way for a comprehensive peace agreement within 60 days.
Shipping and Security Concerns
Iran’s parliamentary speaker, Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, warned that the Strait of Hormuz “will not remain open” if the US blockade persists. Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi announced that the strait was open for commercial vessels for the duration of the 10-day truce agreed upon by Israel and Lebanon.
Despite this announcement, vessel traffic data indicated that a group of approximately 20 ships, including container ships and tankers, attempted to navigate through the Gulf but many turned back. A cruise ship, the Celestyal Discovery, successfully crossed the strait and was en route to Oman.
Iran has mandated that all vessels crossing the strait coordinate with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, a departure from pre-war protocols. The Iranian Defense Ministry reiterated that military vessels and ships associated with “hostile forces,” specifically the US and Israel, are still barred from passage.
Shipping companies have expressed the need for further clarifications regarding potential risks, including the threat of mines, before resuming operations in the region. The US Navy has cautioned seafarers about the unclear mine threat in parts of the waterway.
Unresolved Issues Surrounding Iran’s Nuclear Program
The discussions surrounding Iran’s nuclear program remain a significant obstacle in the peace negotiations. Iran maintains that its nuclear activities are intended for civilian energy purposes. Trump has stated that the US aims to remove Iran’s stockpiles of enriched uranium, while Iranian officials have asserted that such materials will not be transferred elsewhere.
A senior Iranian official expressed hope that a preliminary agreement could be reached soon. Oil prices fell by about 10% on Friday, and global stock markets rose in response to the potential resumption of marine traffic through the strait.
Following a video conference, several countries expressed their willingness to participate in an international mission to safeguard shipping in the strait when conditions allow. A senior Iranian official also mentioned an agreement to unfreeze billions of dollars in Iranian assets as part of the negotiations, although no timeline was provided. Trump later clarified that “no money will exchange hands in any way, shape or form.”
During previous negotiations, the US proposed a 20-year suspension of all Iranian nuclear activities, while Iran suggested a halt of three to five years. Reports indicate that there may be signs of a compromise that could involve the removal of part of Iran’s nuclear stockpile.
Despite Trump’s optimistic outlook, Iranian sources have indicated that significant gaps remain to be addressed before any preliminary agreement can be finalized. Senior clerics have also voiced strong opposition to negotiations perceived as humiliating, with cleric Ahmad Khatami stating, “Our people do not negotiate while being humiliated.”
Source: www.arnnewscentre.ae
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Published on 2026-04-17 17:39:00 • By the Editorial Desk
