Trump rules out extending ceasefire with Iran, calls deal a better option

Amid fragile diplomatic efforts for permanent peace in West Asia, US President Donald Trump on Wednesday said he is not considering extending the ongoing ceasefire with Iran, stressing that a more permanent agreement remains his preferred outcome.

In his latest remarks to ABC News, Trump said the ceasefire could conclude without renewal, even as negotiations continue. "It could end either way, but I think a deal is preferable because then they can rebuild," he said.

The US President’s comments come as Washington and Tehran are preparing for a second round of peace talks in Islamabad, days after the first round concluded without any breakthrough on Iran’s nuclear ambitions, which is a key sticking point for the White House.

Expressing optimism about the upcoming talks, Trump told ABC News Chief Washington Correspondent Jonathan Karl, "I think you’re going to be watching an amazing two days ahead," he said. "I really do."

The President reiterated his claim that the US action had effectively brought about regime change in Iran, asserting that it had eliminated what he described as “radical” elements. "They really do have a different regime now. No matter what, we took out the radicals. They’re gone, no longer with us," he claimed.

Ending a 40-day military escalation, the US and Iran agreed to a 14-day ceasefire on April 8, with both sides committing to hold detailed talks aimed at securing a permanent peace deal, even as deep differences persist. The temporary truce was designed to create space for negotiations, with both sides putting forward proposals despite sharp disagreements over key issues. The ceasefire is set to expire on April 22 unless it is extended or a broader agreement is reached beforehand.

In another latest remark to Fox Business, Trump said the war with Iran is “very close to being over,” while maintaining that Washington is “not done” with its military campaign.

"I think it’s close to over, yeah. I view it as very close to being over," Trump said.

"If I pulled up stakes right now, it would take them 20 years to rebuild that country. And we’re not finished," he said. "We’ll see what happens. I think they want to make a deal very badly."

Iran’s nuclear ambitions emerged as a key sticking point during the Islamabad talks. Washington had proposed a 20-year suspension of all nuclear activity by Iran, while Tehran suggested a shorter halt of three to five years, according to people familiar with the discussions. The US has also pushed for the removal of Iran’s enriched nuclear material, whereas Tehran has insisted on the lifting of international sanctions.

According to reports, back-channel negotiations since the initial round have helped narrow these differences, bringing both sides closer to a potential deal that could be presented in the next phase of talks.

However, a major complication persists regarding Lebanon. Israel has continued its strikes in Lebanon targeting Hezbollah, an Iran-backed militant group. While Israel and the US maintain that this campaign falls outside the scope of the ceasefire, Iran argues that it constitutes a violation.

Meanwhile, a US naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz remains in force. Enforced by thousands of American personnel and multiple warships, the blockade has already forced several vessels to turn back from Iranian waters. Although the ceasefire appears to be holding, tensions around the strategic Strait of Hormuz risk reigniting hostilities and deepening the war’s economic fallout.