Middle East War Day 53: Trump Extends Ceasefire Indefinitely; Iran Threatens to Halt Oil Production
U.S. President Trump extended the ceasefire with Iran at Pakistan's request, while keeping the blockade. Iran countered by threatening to disrupt Middle East oil production if attacked, as market uncertainty grows.
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- 📰 Published: April 22, 2026 at 11:24
- 🔍 Collected: April 22, 2026 at 11:31 (7 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 22, 2026 at 19:41 (8h 9m after Collected)
PARIS, April 21 (AFP) - On the 52nd day of the Middle East War, U.S. President Donald Trump indefinitely extended the ceasefire with Iran. Vice President JD Vance has postponed his visit to Pakistan for negotiations, awaiting a formal proposal from Tehran.
According to AFP's roundup of the latest developments:
Trump announced the extension today, citing a request from Pakistan, the mediator. He emphasized that Iran's 'divided' leadership needs time to present a solution. White House officials confirmed Vance's trip was put on hold.
Despite the extension, Trump noted on social media that the naval blockade of Iranian ports will remain in effect, and the military remains in a state of high readiness. 'I have... instructed our forces to continue the blockade and stay ready in all other aspects,' Trump wrote.
In Tehran, the Iranian Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) warned that if Iran is attacked from the territory of neighboring Gulf states, they will block oil production in the entire region. 'Southern neighbors should understand that if their facilities are used against Iran, they can say goodbye to Middle Eastern oil,' said an IRGC commander.
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that Iran knows how to 'resist bullying' and condemned the blockade as an 'act of war' that violates the ceasefire. Meanwhile, the Lebanon PM Nawaf Salam requested 500 million euros in humanitarian aid during a meeting with French President Macron, as a fragile 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah is tested by renewed rocket fire.
According to AFP's roundup of the latest developments:
Trump announced the extension today, citing a request from Pakistan, the mediator. He emphasized that Iran's 'divided' leadership needs time to present a solution. White House officials confirmed Vance's trip was put on hold.
Despite the extension, Trump noted on social media that the naval blockade of Iranian ports will remain in effect, and the military remains in a state of high readiness. 'I have... instructed our forces to continue the blockade and stay ready in all other aspects,' Trump wrote.
In Tehran, the Iranian Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) warned that if Iran is attacked from the territory of neighboring Gulf states, they will block oil production in the entire region. 'Southern neighbors should understand that if their facilities are used against Iran, they can say goodbye to Middle Eastern oil,' said an IRGC commander.
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that Iran knows how to 'resist bullying' and condemned the blockade as an 'act of war' that violates the ceasefire. Meanwhile, the Lebanon PM Nawaf Salam requested 500 million euros in humanitarian aid during a meeting with French President Macron, as a fragile 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah is tested by renewed rocket fire.