POLITICS & POLICY MAKING

US Informs Israel Iran Ceasefire Set to Expire Sunday: Israeli Media

According to Israeli media, the United States has informed Israel that the extended ceasefire with Iran is expected to expire on Sunday, with little indication of a breakthrough in ongoing negotiations.
2026-04-23
US Informs Israel Iran Ceasefire Set to Expire Sunday: Israeli Media

Washington/Tel Aviv/Islamabad – The United States has reportedly informed Israel that the recently extended ceasefire with Iran may expire by Sunday, as diplomatic efforts struggle to produce a breakthrough.

According to Israeli media reports, US officials conveyed that the timeline set by President Donald Trump for reaching an understanding with Tehran is nearing its end. Sources suggest that Washington is aiming for a concrete agreement rather than prolonged and open-ended negotiations, though expectations for a deal in the coming days remain low.

Israeli officials have expressed concern over what they describe as a lack of clarity in US decision-making, noting that key developments are often learned through media updates and public statements.

Earlier, US officials indicated that the ceasefire extension could last only a few more days, with the final outcome largely dependent on political decisions in Washington. President Trump had agreed to extend the truce following a request from Pakistan, stating it would remain in place until Iran presents a unified proposal.

The conflict, which began with joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran earlier this year, has continued to escalate, with Tehran responding through retaliatory actions across the region. Although Pakistan facilitated initial talks earlier this month, efforts to resume negotiations remain uncertain, with delays in the arrival of delegations and no clear confirmation from Iran.

Meanwhile, tensions have intensified at sea. Reports indicate that US forces have intercepted several Iranian-flagged oil tankers in Asian waters, redirecting them away from key maritime routes near India, Malaysia, and Sri Lanka. Washington has enforced a naval blockade targeting Iran’s trade, while Tehran has restricted access through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy corridor.

The disruption of this vital waterway — through which a significant portion of the world’s oil and gas supply passes — has contributed to rising global energy prices and heightened economic uncertainty.

In recent developments, both sides have taken further actions at sea. The United States has reportedly seized vessels linked to Iran, while Iranian forces have detained ships attempting to navigate the region, citing regulatory violations. Each side has accused the other of maritime aggression, deepening the standoff.

Despite a brief easing of tensions during the ceasefire, progress toward a lasting agreement remains limited. Key disagreements persist, including Iran’s demands for sanctions relief and recognition of its regional position, while the US continues to push for restrictions on Iran’s nuclear program.

Diplomatic efforts are ongoing, but with the ceasefire deadline approaching and mistrust still high, the coming days are likely to be critical in determining whether negotiations can prevent further escalation.