Trump "May not extend ceasefire if no agreement with Iran by 22nd"

U.S. President Trump

U.S. President Donald Trump on the 17th (local time) pressured Iran, stating that the ceasefire might not be extended if a peace agreement with Iran is not reached by the 22nd.

President Trump met with reporters aboard Air Force One returning to Washington from Phoenix, Arizona, on this day, saying, "We probably won't extend the ceasefire, but the blockade (on Iranian waters) will continue to be maintained."

He then added, "If the blockade is maintained, unfortunately, we will have to drop bombs again," indicating that attacks on Iran might resume.

However, he told reporters, "There was some pretty good news 20 minutes ago," and "it seems that the situation with Iran in the Middle East is progressing well," expressing confidence in the negotiations.

President Trump did not elaborate on what the good news was, only replying, "You will hear about it soon." He then added, "This is natural. We'll see how it goes, but I think it will happen."

Earlier, President Trump said in a phone interview with internet media Axios, "I expect an agreement within a day or two," expressing confidence that peace negotiations with Iran could be concluded soon.

The U.S. and Iran accepted the '2-week ceasefire proposal' put forth by mediator Pakistan on the 7th, setting the 21st as the deadline and conducting peace negotiations.

On this day, President Trump mentioning the deadline for a peace agreement as the 22nd, not the 21st, makes it unclear whether it means the ceasefire period is one day longer than known, or simply a mistake in the date.

Meanwhile, President Trump, via his social media Truth Social, stated that Chinese President Xi Jinping was also pleased with Iran's announcement of the temporary opening of the Strait of Hormuz on this day.

President Trump said, "President Xi is very pleased that the Strait of Hormuz has been opened or is rapidly opening," adding, "Our talks in China will be special and potentially historic," looking forward to next month's U.S.-China summit.