By emmitt barryWorthy News Washington DC Bureau Chief
(Worthy News) – The United States has informed Israel that President Donald Trump has extended the deadline for a ceasefire with Iran to Sunday, although violence and uncertainty over diplomatic efforts continues, according to Israeli officials.
Trump has not formally announced an extension, and there remains confusion over the timeline. Recent US reports have varied widely, initially describing the extension as open-ended, then suggesting a window of “three to five days” before indicating no fixed time frame.
Israeli officials are skeptical that any breakthrough will be achieved, given that both Washington and Tehran are sticking to their public positions.
At the same time, the US is maintaining its naval blockade targeting Iran, a move that has increased tensions across the region. Iran has responded aggressively, detaining and engaging ships in the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.
Iran fired on ships, seized ships
On 22 April, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations reported that Iranian forces fired on two commercial ships in separate incidents near the strait.
In one case, a container ship was attacked by an Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) gunboat northeast of Oman, causing heavy damage to its bridge. In another, a cargo ship west of Iran was forced to stop after coming under fire.
Iranian state-linked media described these actions as enforcement measures against ships ignoring warnings. Shortly afterward, Iran reportedly seized two ships—MSC Francesca and Epaminondas—and took them to its shores. A third ship, the Euphoria, was also reportedly targeted.
These incidents represent a significant escalation and are the first confirmed ship seizures since the current conflict began.
Blockade tightened as military presence increased
Despite extending the ceasefire, Trump signaled no reduction in pressure. The US naval blockade aimed at disrupting Iran’s oil exports and limiting its military capabilities remains firmly in place.
US Central Command reported that at least 28 ships have been ordered to turn around or return to port since the blockade began. Military officials have indicated that the enforcement effort could expand globally, targeting any vessels linked to Iranian support networks.
Meanwhile, the aircraft carrier USS George HW Bush is headed to the Persian Gulf, further underscoring the growing US military posture in the region.
Iran condemns ‘act of war’
Iran has sharply condemned the blockade, with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi calling it a violation of the ceasefire and an “act of war”.
Tehran has warned that it is prepared to retaliate and insists that talks cannot resume until the blockade is lifted. Iranian officials also argue that the narrow geography of the Strait of Hormuz gives them the legal authority to enforce navigation controls.
The United States and its allies reject that claim, emphasizing the principle of freedom of navigation through one of the world’s most important energy corridors, which carries about a fifth of global oil shipments.
Trump highlights human emotion
Amid rising tensions, Trump announced what he described as a humanitarian success, saying Iran had halted the execution of eight female protesters following his appeal.
According to the president, four women will be released, while the remaining four will face reduced prison terms.
Trump thanked the Iranian leadership for responding to his request, writing, “Very good news.”
Diplomacy stalled despite expansion
The extension of the ceasefire comes as diplomatic efforts appear to have stalled. Iranian officials have indicated that they will not return to negotiations under current circumstances, while US leaders continue to demand that Iran reopen the Strait of Hormuz and give up its enriched uranium reserves.
With military pressure increasing and both sides at loggerheads, the coming days are likely to prove decisive for whether diplomacy can hold out – or whether the conflict will deepen.
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