US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that he is not considering extending the current ceasefire with Iran, arguing that reaching a broader agreement remains the best path forward at this stage, while also claiming the conflict is “nearing its end.”
In remarks to ABC News, Trump said he does not see the need to prolong the ceasefire, adding: “I am not thinking about extending the ceasefire, nor do I see that as necessary. You will see two amazing days ahead.”
He said a negotiated settlement would allow Iran to rebuild under a new framework, while insisting that the United States had already eliminated “extremist” elements in the conflict. “Whatever the case, we have removed the extremists,” he said.
Trump also claimed that global instability would have worsened without his leadership, stating: “If I were not President of the United States, the world would have been torn apart.”
In a separate interview with Fox News, the US president reiterated his view that the war is approaching its conclusion. “I think it’s very close to the end… very close to being finished,” he said.
He added that if the United States were to step back at this point, Iran would require a long period to rebuild its capabilities, estimating it could take up to two decades. “If we withdraw now, Iran will need 20 years to rebuild,” he said, adding that Washington’s strategy is not yet complete.
Trump also suggested Tehran may be open to a deal, saying he believes Iran is seeking an agreement.
In a related interview with the New York Post, Trump hinted at the possibility of a second round of negotiations in Pakistan within days, following an initial round in Islamabad that ended last weekend without a breakthrough.
“Something might happen in a couple of days,” he said, adding that he was inclined to travel to Pakistan and praising Pakistani army chief Asim Munir for his role in facilitating talks.
Washington and Tehran had agreed on April 8 to a two-week ceasefire mediated by Pakistan, intended to pave the way for negotiations to end the military confrontation that began on February 28. However, the first round of talks ended without agreement.
Diplomatic discussions between US and Iranian negotiators are expected to resume on Thursday, following the collapse of earlier talks in Islamabad.
