Tehran/Washington/Islamabad, 21 April (H.S.): The US-Iran ceasefire, originally set to expire today, has been extended for two additional days, President Donald Trump announced personally. Diplomatic efforts intensify in Pakistan's capital to launch the second round of talks, though Tehran shows no firm commitment to attend while the American delegation is already en route.
In Bloomberg and conservative radio interviews, Trump revealed the truce—previously due to lapse at 8 PM Eastern Time—now stretches to midweek. Iran will come to the table, he asserted, warning failure would render further extensions very difficult. He anticipates Tehran rebuilding sans nuclear arms post-deal.
The US team, including VP JD Vance, Jared Kushner, and envoy Steve Witkoff, heads to Islamabad. Trump justified military blockade, vowing sustained economic pressure until negotiations yield results.
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told Pakistan's Ishaq Dar via call that Tehran weighs all options. Parliament Speaker Mohammad Ghalibaf accused Trump of converting talks into surrender tables. Supreme leadership insists no discussions under threat's shadow, mirroring Trump's blockade resolve.
CNN, CBS, Al Jazeera, and Geo News confirm the extension amid high stakes. Meanwhile, Lebanon-Israel negotiations proceed Thursday in Washington despite ongoing Israeli strikes on southern Lebanon.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
