President Donald Trump made clear Tuesday that he has little interest in extending the current ceasefire with Iran, even as a key deadline approaches and fragile diplomatic efforts hang in the balance.
Speaking in an interview with CNBC, Trump dismissed the idea of prolonging the truce, which is set to expire Wednesday evening. Asked whether he would consider an extension if negotiations showed progress, the president was blunt: “I don’t want to do that.”
He pointed to tight timing constraints, noting that logistical hurdles alone could eat up what little runway remains. Trump suggested that by the time Iranian negotiators arrive in Pakistan for talks, the ceasefire could already be nearing its end. While Vice President JD Vance is expected to travel to Islamabad, Iran has yet to confirm whether it will send its own delegation.
The administration has consistently signaled skepticism about extending the two-week pause in hostilities put in place earlier this month. Trump’s latest comments reinforce that stance, underscoring a preference for decisive outcomes over prolonged negotiations. At the same time, the compressed timeline raises questions about whether meaningful diplomacy can realistically take place before the deadline.
Despite his reluctance to extend the ceasefire, Trump struck an optimistic tone about the prospects of a deal. He said Iran could find itself on “very good footing” if an agreement is reached during the Pakistan talks. Still, the president paired that optimism with a stark warning, saying he expects military action if no deal is finalized in time.
“I think that’s a better attitude to go in with,” Trump said, framing the possibility of force as leverage. He added that the U.S. military is “raring to go,” a comment that highlights the administration’s readiness while also underscoring the high stakes of the moment.
Trump expressed confidence that Iran would ultimately come to the table, suggesting its leadership is acting more rationally than in the past. “They have no choice,” he said, arguing that the United States holds a strong negotiating position. Whether that assessment holds remains to be seen, particularly given the uncertainty surrounding Iran’s participation in the talks.
The president also raised concerns about possible outside involvement, pointing to the seizure of a cargo ship a day earlier. Without offering specifics, Trump hinted that China may have been involved, describing the contents as “not very nice” and suggesting it could have been a “gift” from Beijing.
“I was a little surprised,” Trump said, noting his belief that he had an understanding with Chinese President Xi Jinping. He added, “that’s the way war goes,” a remark that captures both the unpredictability of the situation and the broader reality that even strong relationships can be tested in times of conflict.
As the ceasefire deadline draws near, the administration appears to be walking a narrow line—projecting strength while leaving limited room for extended diplomacy. Whether that approach leads to a breakthrough or renewed escalation may depend on decisions made in the coming hours, with little margin for error and significant consequences if talks fall short.
