Trump warns Iran: If no agreement is reached before the ceasefire ends, bombing will resume starting next Wednesday.
According to his remarks to the media aboard the presidential aircraft "Air Force One," if the U.S. and Iran fail to reach a long-term agreement ending the war by next Wednesday (April 22, 2026), he may not extend the current ceasefire, stating, "We may have to start dropping bombs again."
???????? Iran's response: Refusing negotiations, preparing countermeasures
In response to Trump’s warning and U.S. actions, Iran has delivered a firm rebuttal:
Refusing further negotiations, Iran has informed the United States through intermediary Pakistan that it disagrees with advancing to the next round of talks due to U.S. maritime blockades and what it calls "excessive demands" made during negotiations.
Reportedly, the U.S. demands include requiring Iran to suspend uranium enrichment activities for 20 years, remove all high-enriched uranium from its territory, and dismantle anti-ship missile deployments along the Persian Gulf coast. Iran views these demands as aimed at undermining its national sovereignty and defense capabilities.
As a response, Iran’s armed forces announced they have resumed full control over the Strait of Hormuz. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy has mandated that all civilian vessels must travel only via designated routes and obtain prior permission before passage, while military vessels are prohibited from transiting.
Currently, Pakistan is mediating between the U.S. and Iran. Although Pakistan’s foreign minister expressed optimism about negotiations, both sides’ delegations returned home on April 11, and the timing of the next round of talks remains undetermined.
The current situation is extremely tense, with the core conflict centered on the U.S. seeking to force Iran into total capitulation through maximal pressure, while Iran refuses to yield an inch on its core interests. April 22—the deadline for the existing ceasefire agreement—has become the pivotal moment determining whether war or peace follows.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1862844907940876/
Disclaimer: This article represents the personal views of the author.