Middle East Situation Brief | April 23

The US-Iran ceasefire has been extended again after expiration, but both sides show no signs of easing their positions. Trump unilaterally announced an extension of the ceasefire and expressed satisfaction with the maritime blockade, while Iran refused to attend negotiations and accused the US of "lying again." Passage through the Strait of Hormuz is severely restricted by a double blockade, with the US military claiming to have forced 29 ships to turn back. The Israel-Lebanon conflict continues to escalate, with Israel bombing southern Lebanon resulting in the death of a journalist. The Gaza ceasefire agreement is slow to implement, with Houthi forces threatening to link the blockade and control the Strait of Mandeb, while Brent crude oil prices have returned above $100.

I. US-Iran Ceasefire: Extended after expiration, with serious disagreements on stance

The US-Iran temporary ceasefire was set to expire on the evening of the 22nd Eastern Time (morning of the 23rd Beijing time), but the two sides have failed to reach a consensus on the ceasefire. Trump issued a statement on the 21st extending the ceasefire, saying that the US would hold off on attacking Iran until Iran submitted a unified proposal and negotiations were completed, but Iran refused to attend the second round of talks until the last moment, and the statement did not request an extension of the ceasefire.

In an interview on the 22nd, Trump said there is "no timetable" for ending the conflict with Iran and there is no need to rush, denying reports of a "3 to 5-day window" for extending the ceasefire as "not true." White House Press Secretary Psaki said the same day that Trump has no final deadline for extending the ceasefire, is "satisfied" with the current blockade situation, and emphasized that Iran must agree to transfer enriched uranium to the US as a precondition for negotiations.

Trump also said that a new round of US-Iran peace talks could "possibly make progress as early as Friday (24th)," and Pakistan indicated that the possibility of resuming negotiations within the next 36 to 72 hours is increasing. However, Iran responded directly: semi-official Tasnim News Agency said Trump "lied again," and Iran has not yet decided to participate in any new negotiations. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Bahram Qasemi reiterated that Iran will only negotiate with the US if it is in Iran's interests. President Ebrahim Raisi pointed out: "Breaking promises, implementing blockades, and threats are the main obstacles to genuine negotiations."

Experts analyze that Trump's reversal to extend the ceasefire is essentially a self-justification after the "pressure to change" plan failed; he is the one who needs the ceasefire more.

II. Strait of Hormuz: Double blockade persists, military confrontation escalates

As of April 23, the Strait of Hormuz is in a rare "double blockade" state—US forces intercept all ships heading to Iranian ports, while Iran enforces passage controls in its own waters.

The US Central Command reported that 29 ships have been ordered to turn back or return to Iranian ports, but loopholes are frequent—at least 26 Iran-related ships have successfully broken through. On the 22nd, Iran's Revolutionary Guard announced the seizure of two container ships attempting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, marking Iran's first actual seizure of ships since the outbreak of hostilities. Multiple maritime security agencies report intense activity in the area, with Iranian speedboats approaching and opening fire, and some ships' bridges severely damaged.

Iran's chief negotiator, Ali Bagheri, emphasized, "It is impossible to reopen the Strait of Hormuz openly while the US openly violates the ceasefire agreement." Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian said the current situation is a direct result of US and Israeli military strikes on a UN member state, and the consequences should be borne by the aggressors. According to a classified Pentagon briefing, clearing mines would take six months, and military operations are unlikely before the conflict ends. Three US aircraft carrier strike groups are about to deploy simultaneously in the Middle East, while the UK and France have convened over 30 countries in London to discuss navigation plans.

III. Lebanon-Israel conflict: Ceasefire is a sham, journalist killed, international condemnation

Bloodshed along the Lebanon-Israel border is far from over. On the 22nd, Israel launched airstrikes on southern Lebanon, including the town of Tiri, killing at least five people, including renowned female journalist Amal Harir. Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri condemned Israel for targeting journalists fulfilling their duties, calling it "blatant war crimes" and vowed to pursue accountability. Hezbollah responded by attacking an Israeli Hummer military vehicle.

In Gaza: The Gaza ceasefire has been in effect for half a year, but implementation is severely delayed—border crossings have not fully reopened as scheduled, and many displaced persons cannot return to their northern homes. Since January 1, 2026, Israeli authorities have blocked Doctors Without Borders from delivering