US President Donald Trump announced on 21/4 that he has no intention of extending the ceasefire with Iran, emphasizing that "we do not have much time." He added, "I do not think they have a choice. They must negotiate." This statement comes as the current agreement is set to expire on the evening of 22/4 US eastern time, with no further talks scheduled between the two nations.

Trump indicated that the US military is prepared to resume bombing Iran if an agreement is not reached before the deadline. "The military is very eager to go. They are truly amazing," he said, also highlighting his efforts in rebuilding the US military. When questioned about previous threats to bomb Iranian bridges and power plants, Trump responded, "I do not want to have to do that, but it would strike a severe blow to them militarily." He further explained, "They use bridges to transport missiles and weapons," noting that both sides have utilized the ceasefire period to consolidate their forces.

US President Donald Trump at the White House on 18/4. *Photo: AP*

President Trump believes Iran has a strong incentive to reach an agreement with the US. While praising the Iranian people, he criticized Tehran's leadership. "Iran can achieve a very good position if it reaches an agreement with the US. They can once again become a powerful and great nation," he remarked.

Adding to the tensions, the US leader also revealed that US forces had intercepted a ship carrying what he ambiguously described as "gifts from China." "Yesterday we caught a ship carrying some things, which was not very good. A gift from China, perhaps, I do not know," Trump stated.

Although the US president did not explicitly name the vessel, he was likely referring to the cargo ship Touska, which the US Navy intercepted on 19/4 in the Gulf of Oman. The Iranian military had previously indicated that this ship was traveling from China. Nikki Haley, former US ambassador to the United Nations, alleged the ship was involved in "shipments of chemicals used for missiles," adding that "it refused multiple requests to stop."

US soldiers boarding and seizing the cargo ship Touska on 19/4. *Video: CENTCOM*

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun responded to the incident, commenting that "this container ship was flying a foreign flag. China opposes all malicious association and sensationalism." China expressed concern over the seizure of the Touska, viewing it as an obstacle to a peaceful resolution of the conflict. "We hope that relevant parties fulfill their obligations and adhere to the ceasefire, to prevent escalation of tensions and create conditions for the normalization of the Strait of Hormuz," Guo stated.

Amidst these developments, the AP news agency cited two regional officials who reported that both the US and Iran have signaled a willingness to hold new rounds of negotiations in Pakistan. However, neither Washington nor Tehran has publicly confirmed the timing of these potential talks. Iranian state television, meanwhile, denied reports that Iranian officials were already in Islamabad.

Pham Giang (According to AP, CNN, SCMP)