The U.S. President expressed confidence that the conflict with Iran will ultimately be resolved through diplomacy. He also stated that the United States will continue blocking Iran’s ports, preventing ships from entering or leaving the country.
In a statement posted on social media, Trump said: “Based on the destruction in Iran, and at the request of Marshal Asim Munir and Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, we were asked to halt attacks on Iran until its leaders and representatives present a joint preliminary agreement.”
Trump added that he has instructed U.S. forces to maintain the blockade on Iran’s ports and remain on high alert. “The ceasefire will continue until a preliminary agreement is presented and negotiations are concluded one way or another,” he said.
In the early hours of Wednesday, April 8, 2026, Trump announced that the United States and Iran had agreed to a two-week ceasefire.
This followed more than a month of conflict involving Israel and the United States launching attacks on Iran, which resulted in the deaths of several high-ranking Iranian officials, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
The war has continued to strain the global economy, largely because the Strait of Hormuz—through which about 20% of global petroleum passes—was closed by Iran, causing oil prices to surge.
Prices rose from around $70 per barrel to $120 in March 2026, although they later decreased slightly.
In recent days, prices increased again by 5%, with crude oil exceeding $100 per barrel. However, following Trump’s announcement that the ceasefire would continue, prices dropped to $98.97.
On April 21, 2026, Trump warned that Iran would face unprecedented consequences if it refuses to engage in negotiations with the United States.
He made the remarks during an interview with journalist John Fredericks, stating that the war is close to ending but warned that Iran could face serious repercussions if it does not cooperate. Meanwhile, Iran has yet to decide whether it will enter talks with the U.S., arguing that Washington has not demonstrated genuine commitment to democratic principles.
