Foreign Ministry spokesperson Ismail Baqaei confirmed that there are no discussions about extending the current truce, which is set to expire around April 22. Tehran’s stance remains firm: no temporary extensions, only a permanent agreement that includes real concessions, sanctions relief, recognition of Iran’s nuclear rights, and an end to the U.S. naval blockade.
On the other side, the U.S. continues to project confidence. Donald Trump has repeatedly stated that a deal is “very close,” while maintaining maximum pressure and insisting the blockade will remain until a final agreement is reached.
Pakistan is currently the only trusted intermediary between both sides. A second round of indirect talks in Islamabad could take place this weekend, although nothing has been officially confirmed yet.
3 key points to watch as April 22 nears:
Whether Pakistan can quietly broker a short-term extension to avoid escalation
Whether Iran follows through on its warnings to disrupt the Strait of Hormuz if the blockade continues
Whether Trump’s “very close” claims reflect real progress or just negotiation strategy