Trump says no time pressure on Iran talks, downplays ceasefire deadline

U.S. President Donald Trump said on April 23 that there is “no time pressure” to reach a ceasefire agreement or set a new date for negotiations with Iran, following stalled talks earlier this month.

Speaking in an interview with Martha MacCallum on Fox News, Trump dismissed reports suggesting a limited extension period for the ceasefire. A day after announcing an indefinite extension, he said the previously reported “3-5 day window” was “false.”

The president also addressed maritime tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, where ships were reportedly fired upon and seized by Iranian forces on April 23.

“They were not U.S. ships,” Trump said, adding that he would continue monitoring the situation.

Discussing the broader timeline for ending the conflict, Trump emphasised that there was “no time frame” and no urgency to conclude negotiations.

“People say I want to get it over because of the midterms, not true,” Trump stated, adding that the administration wanted to “get a good deal for the American people.”

Trump also highlighted pressure tactics against Tehran, stating, “The blockade scares them even more than the bombing.” He added, “They’ve been bombed for years but the blockade they hate.”

Referring to Iran’s energy infrastructure, Trump said, “Once those wells go down, sometimes they are down for good.”

The president also commented on Iran’s top diplomat, Abbas Araghchi, describing him as a “smart man” and expressing confidence that “he will still be there when talks get underway again.”

By Sabina Mammadli