US President Donald Trump on Friday (local time) indicated that he may not extend the ongoing ceasefire with Iran, raising the prospect of renewed military action in the region if a deal is not reached with the Islamic Republic in order to achieve a complete halt to the hostilities in West Asia.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One during a press gaggle, Trump said the decision would depend on whether an agreement is reached before the ceasefire deadline.
He further noted that even if a ceasefire deal is not reached, the US naval blockade of the ports of Iran will continue.
“Maybe I won’t extend it. But the blockade is going to remain, but maybe I won’t extend it. So, you have a blockade, and unfortunately, we’ll have to start dropping bombs again,” the US President said.
Trump was responding to a question on whether the ceasefire would be extended if no deal were reached by Wednesday, April 22, when the current two-week truce is set to expire.
The remarks suggest a hardening stance by the United States, with Trump making clear that while the blockade would continue, the pause in hostilities may not.
