Trump: No Ceasefire Extension Needed as Iran Talks Resume

by | Apr 15, 2026 | News

President Trump said Wednesday he does not expect to extend the two-week US-Iran ceasefire, set to expire April 22, predicting “an amazing two days ahead” as a second round of negotiations approaches.

Speaking to ABC News, Trump said a deal remained his preference. “It could end either way, but I think a deal is preferable because then they can rebuild,” he said.

The US and Israel launched their military campaign against Iran on February 28, targeting its military infrastructure, nuclear program, and ballistic missile capabilities. Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and dozens of senior officials were killed in airstrikes. Mossad chief David Barnea indicated Tuesday that Israel would not consider the campaign concluded until Iran’s current leadership is replaced.

Following an inconclusive first round of talks in Islamabad, the US imposed a maritime blockade on Iranian ports. CENTCOM chief Brad Cooper confirmed the blockade was fully implemented within 36 hours, with American forces achieving “maritime superiority” across the region.

IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi cautioned that any agreement must include rigorous verification mechanisms. “Otherwise, you will not have an agreement — you will have an illusion of an agreement,” he said in Seoul.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif departed Wednesday on a diplomatic tour of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Turkey ahead of a possible second negotiating round.

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