Trump Threatens to Resume Strikes if Iran Deal Fails by April 22

The US President stated he may not extend the current ceasefire, warning that a failure to reach an agreement within days would lead to a renewed blockade and military action. Make us preferred on Google Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied US President Donald Trump addresses a Turning Point USA event entitled "Build the Red Wall" at Dream City Church in Phoenix, Arizona, on April 17, 2026. (Photo by Jim WATSON / AFP) Content Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied Flip Make us preferred on Google US President Donald Trump warned on Saturday, April 18, that he might not extend the temporary ceasefire with Iran if negotiations do not result in a final agreement by Wednesday, April 22, CNN reported. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump addressed the possibility of resuming military operations. Follow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official . “Maybe I won’t extend it,” Trump said when asked whether he would prolong the truce or resume strikes if talks fall short. “Maybe I won’t extend it, so you have a blockade, and unfortunately we have to start dropping bombs again.” The current temporary ceasefire, which began on April 8, is set to expire in four days. While a first round of talks held on April 11-12 concluded without any announced agreements, Trump expressed cautious optimism that a second round of high-level meetings could take place over the weekend. He noted that a final deal to end the conflict could be reached within the next “day or two.” The diplomatic push centers on a potential compromise where the US would unfreeze $20 billion in Iranian assets in exchange for Tehran’s enriched uranium. According to sources cited by Axios , the proposal includes a voluntary moratorium on uranium enrichment, though the sides remain divided over its duration, with Washington pushing for a 20-year term and Tehran seeking five years. In an interview with Reuters, Trump confirmed that both nations would cooperate on the removal of nuclear material if a deal is struck. However, significant hurdles remain. While Trump recently told AFP that there are “no sticking points at all,” Iran’s Foreign Ministry stated that its stockpile of enriched uranium would not be transferred “anywhere,” directly contradicting the US President’s claims. Other Topics of Interest Iran Parliament Speaker Accuses Trump of Spreading Falsehoods Over Strait of Hormuz Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf claimed the US president’s statements aim to gain leverage in negotiations, warning that the strategic waterway remains restricted despite claims of it being “fully open.” The status of the Strait of Hormuz also remains a point of contention. Although Trump recently declared the waterway “fully open” following a statement by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, a US naval blockade targeting Iranian-linked vessels remains in effect. A new round of negotiations is expected to begin in Islamabad , Pakistan, on Monday, which may serve as the final opportunity to secure a permanent ceasefire before the April 22 deadline. Kyiv Post is Ukraine’s first and oldest English news organization since 1995. Its international market reach of 97% outside of Ukraine makes it truly Ukraine’s Global – and most reliable – Voice.