We have been asked to hold our attack on the country of Iran until such time as their leaders and representatives can come up with a unified proposal. I have therefore directed our military to continue the blockade, and in all other respects, remain ready and able, and will therefore extend the ceasefire until such time as their proposal is submitted, and discussions are concluded, one way or the other. – President Donald J. Trump, Truth Social, April 21, 2026 The United States military maintained its naval blockade of Iranian waters on April 22, 2026, following a presidential directive to suspend offensive operations pending a unified Iranian negotiation position. The directive, issued via Truth Social on April 21, extended an existing ceasefire whereas affirming readiness to resume hostilities if diplomatic efforts fail. Iran’s parliamentary speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, responded the same day, stating that a complete ceasefire only holds validity if This proves not violated by the maritime blockade and if Israeli military actions across all fronts are halted. His remarks, posted on X (formerly Twitter), linked the legitimacy of any truce to the cessation of what he termed “Zionist warmongering.” The U.S. Blockade, centered in the Strait of Hormuz, continues to restrict commercial and military vessel movements to and from Iranian ports. No Iranian officials have publicly presented a unified proposal for negotiations as of April 22, and no formal talks have been scheduled between Washington, and Tehran. The White House has not issued additional guidance on the duration of the ceasefire extension or conditions for its termination. The Pentagon declined to comment on specific naval rules of engagement in the region, citing operational security. Diplomatic channels remain inactive, with no indication of backchannel communications or third-party mediation efforts underway. Regional actors, including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, have not publicly altered their military postures in response to the U.S. Directive.
Title: Trump Extends Iran Ceasefire Amid Strait of Hormuz Tensions, Calls for Unified Proposal — April 21, 2026 Update
