Trump and White House Deny Deadline for Ceasefire Extension

On April 23, Trump stated in an interview with Fox News that reports about a 3 to 5 day window for extending the ceasefire are false. Regarding Iran’s seizure of ships in the Strait of Hormuz, Trump mentioned that they are not American vessels and that he will continue to monitor the situation. When asked about the timeline for ending the war, Trump indicated there is no timetable and that he is not in a hurry. ‘People say I want to resolve this quickly because of the midterm elections, but that is not true,’ Trump stated, adding that the government aims to secure a good deal for Americans. Trump also noted that blockades scare them more than bombings, as they have been bombed for many years, but what they hate is the blockade. Once those oil wells cease production, they can sometimes be permanently closed. Trump expects that when negotiations resume, the Iranian foreign minister will still be present. Earlier reports from Fox News and Axios claimed that Trump would extend the ceasefire for 3 to 5 days, rather than indefinitely. In response, White House Press Secretary Levitt issued a statement saying that Trump did not set a deadline for the ceasefire extension with Iran, and the claim of giving Iran 3 to 5 days to respond is inaccurate.