Day 54 | Trump says he will extend ceasefire with Iran until negotiations conclude
The 2026 Iran War began on February 28, when the United States and ‘Israel’ launched a large-scale attack on Iran, unleashing nearly 900 airstrikes within 12 hours on the Islamic Republic’s missile systems, air defenses, nuclear facilities, military bases, and leadership targets.
The assault followed years of shadow conflict, including direct missile exchanges in 2024 and a limited 12-day war in 2025 that damaged Iran’s nuclear and ballistic capabilities.
Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and senior officials were killed in the opening strikes. Iran responded within hours, launching waves of ballistic missiles and drones at ‘Israel’, US bases, and targets across the Gulf.
On April 8, the United States, Iran, and ‘Israel’ agreed to a temporary two-week ceasefire, brokered by Pakistan, with Iran committing to reopen the Strait of Hormuz while negotiations continue toward a broader agreement.
The fragile truce has since come under strain, particularly as ‘Israel’ launched major bombardments in Lebanon and clashes with the Iran-backed group Hezbollah intensified.
Here’s the latest updates:
- US President Donald Trump said he’s extended the ceasefire with Iran until Tehran has submitted a proposal to end the conflict permanently.
- US President Donald Trump said Sunday that US forces intercepted an Iranian-flagged cargo ship in the Gulf of Oman after it allegedly attempted to breach a US naval blockade.
- Trump Signals Imminent Deal: President Trump stated on April 16 that the US is "very close" to a deal, claiming Iran has agreed to "almost everything." He has even floated the possibility of traveling to Pakistan, the primary mediator, to sign a final agreement.
- The "$20 Billion for Uranium" Swap: Discussions have centered on a high-stakes proposal where Iran would hand over its entire enriched uranium stockpile (reportedly around 440 kg) in exchange for the release of $20 billion in frozen funds.
- Key Sticking Points: While Trump is optimistic, Iranian officials have called the total handover of uranium a "non-starter." Disagreements remain over the length of an enrichment pause, with the US demanding 20 years and Iran offering 3–5 years.
- Hormuz Closed Again: After a brief 24-hour reopening on April 17, Iran re-closed the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, April 18. Tehran cited the continued US naval blockade as a violation of the spirit of the truce.
- Contradictory Sea Rules: The situation is volatile; while Iran briefly declared the Strait "open" to commercial traffic, the US naval blockade remains in "full force." Since the blockade began on April 13, CENTCOM has intercepted at least 23 vessels.
- Economic Pressure: The blockade is costing Iran an estimated $400 million per day in revenue. Experts warn that if the blockade isn't lifted by April 26, Iranian oil wells may suffer permanent damage due to overflow.
- 10-Day Ceasefire Holding: The US-brokered ceasefire between ‘Israel’ and Lebanon, which began on April 16, is largely holding despite high tension.
- Oil Price Volatility: Oil prices initially plummeted by 11% (US Crude to ~$83) on Friday following the brief reopening of the Strait. However, prices are expected to face renewed upward pressure following Iran's Saturday decision to re-close the waterway.
US CENTCOM says forces rearming and retooling during ceasefire
US Central Command (CENTCOM), which is leading operations against Iran, said its forces “remain ready” and are actively “rearming” and “retooling” during the current ceasefire, in a social media post featuring warplanes, ships, and troops.
CENTCOM commander Admiral Brad Cooper, alongside US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, said in a briefing that US forces are adjusting “tactics, techniques and procedures” during the pause in fighting, adding that “there is no military in the world that adjusts like we do.”
The statement comes after US President Donald Trump announced an extension of the ceasefire with Iran, which had been set to expire today.
London to host defence summit on reopening the Strait of Hormuz
The UK government says military planners from more than 30 countries will meet in London for two days of talks aimed at advancing a mission to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, according to Reuters.
The meeting, starting later today, builds on recent diplomatic discussions on securing the strategic waterway.
The British Ministry of Defence said more than 10 countries have already signaled readiness to join a Britain- and France-led international mission to protect navigation when conditions allow.
UK Defence Minister John Healey said the goal is to turn diplomatic consensus into “a joint plan to safeguard freedom of navigation” and support a lasting ceasefire, expressing confidence that “real progress can be made” over the next two days.
Trump: Iranians have taken advantage of every US president except me
US President Donald Trump, posting on Truth Social, attacked The Wall Street Journal over an opinion piece titled “The Iranians Take Trump for a Sucker,” calling its author an “IDIOT” and the newspaper a “failing political rag.”
Trump claimed Iran has “killed our people” for 47 years and “taken advantage of every President, except me,” adding that under his leadership Iran is “a country in tatters.” He asserted that Iran’s navy is “at the bottom of the sea,” its air force and air defenses are “gone,” and its nuclear facilities were “obliterated” in a past US strike.
He further claimed Iranian leaders, including Qassem Soleimani, were killed, and said the Strait of Hormuz is “blockaded and controlled by the U.S.,” alleging Iran is losing “$500 million a day.”
Trump also criticized former President Barack Obama, saying he gave Iran “$1.7 billion in green cash” and “hundreds of billions of dollars,” while accusing previous administrations of failing to stop Tehran’s nuclear ambitions.
VIDEO - Lebanon needs 500 mn euros to 'tackle humanitarian crisis': Lebanese PM
Mediator Pakistan PM thanks Trump for extending ceasefire, urges continued talks
The Pakistani prime minister thanked US President Donald Trump on Wednesday for extending a ceasefire with Iran that had been soon set to expire and urged both sides to continue talks.
"I sincerely hope that both sides will continue to observe the ceasefire and be able to conclude a comprehensive 'Peace Deal' during the second round of talks scheduled at Islamabad for a permanent end to the conflict," Shehbaz Sharif wrote on X.
VIDEO - Iran military shows off ballistic missiles in Tehran
Trump ceasefire extension "means nothing," says adviser to Iranian parliament speaker
An adviser to Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Mahdi Mohammadi, has dismissed US President Donald Trump’s announcement of a ceasefire extension, urging Tehran to respond militarily. He said “the losing side cannot dictate terms” and described the continued US blockade of the Strait of Hormuz as a “siege” equivalent to bombardment.
Mohammadi accused Trump of using the ceasefire extension as a “ploy to buy time for a surprise strike,” adding that “the time for Iran to take the initiative has come.” He also noted that Ghalibaf previously led talks with the US in Islamabad and was expected to meet US Vice President JD Vance for a second round of negotiations that were delayed and later postponed indefinitely.
Iran’s military vows swift, powerful response to any attack
Iran’s military spokesperson has issued a stark warning of immediate retaliation in the event of any attack on the country, underscoring heightened regional tensions.
Speaking on behalf of the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, Ebrahim Zolfaghari said Iran’s armed forces have long been on full alert and prepared for confrontation. The headquarters serves as the operational command coordinating Iran’s armed forces.
“Our powerful and capable forces are in a state of comprehensive readiness, and their fingers have been on the trigger for a long time,” he said, according to statements carried by Iranian media.
Zolfaghari added that Tehran “will attack immediately and with force the pre-designated targets if any aggression or action is taken against it,” signaling a readiness to escalate quickly in response to perceived threats.
He further warned that Iran would deliver a harsher response than before to its adversaries, stating that the United States and 'Israel' would face consequences stronger than previous confrontations.
White House confirms canceling Vance's Tuesday trip to Iran talks
White House confirms canceling Vance's Tuesday trip to Iran talks
Previous day
For coverage of the previous day, visit the link below.
Read more: Day 53 | Trump extends ceasefire to give Iran time to negotiate
