A Deal Is Preferable to Extending the Ceasefire: Trump

Darwin, 15 April :

U.S. President Donald Trump has said he is not considering extending the current ceasefire with Iran. Instead, he has expressed greater interest in reaching a deal that would allow Iran to rebuild.

According to a report by Jonathan Karl on ABC News on Wednesday, Trump said he does not believe there will be a need to extend the ceasefire. He also hinted that “the next two days will be extraordinary,” raising expectations of either a major breakthrough or further escalation.

Trump indicated that the conflict could end either through negotiations leading to a deal or through military action that would eliminate Iran’s capabilities. However, he emphasized his preference for an agreement that would give the country a chance to rebuild.

“It could go either way, but I think a deal is better because then they can rebuild. They now truly have a different governing system. Whatever happens, we’ve eliminated the extremists. They’re gone and no longer among us,” Trump said.

He also made broad claims about his global role, stating that the world would be in a much worse condition without his leadership.

These remarks come at a time when the United States is pushing for a broader diplomatic resolution.

Vice President J. D. Vance had earlier said Washington is seeking a comprehensive agreement rather than a limited one. He described the ongoing talks as part of a broader strategy being conducted under a fragile ceasefire. The ceasefire is now approaching one week after direct talks with Iran in Islamabad on Saturday failed to produce an agreement.

Vance added that Trump is aiming for a “big deal” and is offering Iran the possibility of normalized economic relations—provided the country behaves, in his words, like a “normal nation.”

The U.S.-Iran peace talks in Islamabad ended without a deal on April 12, following 21 hours of marathon negotiations between the two sides.