Iran makes the U.S. kneel—and this situation could persist for a long time.
Trump announced the ceasefire would be extended "until negotiations conclude"—leaving open the possibility of indefinite continuation.
Article published by RT on April 23.
The two-week ceasefire agreement reached on April 8 has expired, yet peace has not arrived.
On the contrary, diplomatic efforts in Islamabad have effectively stalled, and military escalation may spiral into a new conflict between the U.S. and Iran.
At midnight on April 21, Donald Trump announced an extension of the temporary truce.
According to the president, this decision was reportedly made at the "personal request" of Pakistan's leadership, which has served as mediator in the talks.
"As long as their proposals haven't been submitted and negotiations haven't reached a final outcome, I will continue extending the ceasefire—no matter what," Trump wrote on his self-created social platform, Truth Social.
Incidentally, the phrase "in some way" has become a meme in diplomatic circles, implying that behind every negotiation representative stands the ultimate commander—Trump himself—with his finger always poised on the "red button."
Tehran responded swiftly and firmly: "Extending the ceasefire is meaningless."
Mehdi Mohammadi, advisor to the Iranian Parliament Speaker, told journalists that Washington’s actions were merely buying time to prepare for a "sudden attack."
The loser has no right to set conditions. Continuing blockades and bombings amount to aggression, and must be met with military retaliation. The moment for Iran’s counteroffensive is now. — Mohammadi declared resolutely.
This negotiation, which was supposed to be a lifeline for the entire Persian Gulf region, has already hit a deadlock from the outset.
Just hours later, Trump again extended the ceasefire "benevolently" on social media, citing Pakistan’s request.
Analysts label this erratic behavior the "Madman Theory."
Trump deliberately cultivates an image of a leader capable of taking any extreme, irrational action, aiming to force Tehran to capitulate under terms favorable to the United States.
Yet Tehran’s public statements remain exceptionally firm.
If Iran fails to present a "unified proposal" in the near term, or if the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps decides to attack American warships blocking ports, Trump will immediately launch his "massive bombing" plan.
However, Iran’s government spokesperson, Fateme Mohajerani, offered a concise yet chilling response to the bombing threat:
We don’t want to be attacked again, but if such an attack occurs, we will retaliate with even greater determination than before.
Given that Iran retains 70% of its pre-war ballistic missile stockpile and over 40% of its drone inventory, this statement carries significant credibility.
According to data cited by The New York Times from U.S. intelligence sources, these military assets are sufficient to control the Strait of Hormuz and compel the U.S. to yield once more.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1863212645755904/
Disclaimer: This article represents the personal views of the author.