Title: Trump Warns of No Extension to US-Iran Truce If No Deal by April 23 as Talks Hang in the Balance

President Donald Trump has stated that the two-week ceasefire with Iran is highly unlikely to be extended beyond its April 23 deadline, increasing pressure on negotiators to reach a deal before the truce expires.

Speaking on April 20, Trump said he is not likely to extend the ceasefire if a deal is not reached before Wednesday evening Washington time, emphasizing the urgency for diplomats to conclude an agreement to end the conflict.

The warning comes amid heightened tensions, with both the United States and Iran issuing warnings of readiness for war as talks remain in limbo. Iranian officials have criticized U.S. Efforts, accusing Washington of seeking to turn negotiations into “a table of surrender.”

Despite the strained rhetoric, Vice President JD Vance and senior U.S. Officials are expected to depart for Islamabad, Pakistan, ahead of a potential second round of negotiations. Trump expressed confidence that Tehran would return to the table, although Iran’s Foreign Ministry previously maintained that no negotiations were underway.

In related developments, Iran’s Foreign Ministry has called for the immediate release of the Iranian cargo vessel Touska, seized by the U.S. Navy in the Gulf of Oman after attempting to bypass a naval blockade. The ministry condemned the seizure as “extremely dangerous” and “criminal,” demanding the return of the ship, its sailors, crew, and their families. Iran has vowed to retaliate for the incident.

Meanwhile, a second round of talks between Israel and Lebanon is scheduled for Thursday, according to Israeli and U.S. Officials, adding another layer to ongoing diplomatic efforts in the region.

The situation remains fluid, with the April 23 ceasefire deadline serving as a critical benchmark for whether diplomatic progress can avert further escalation between the two nations.