Although the US.–Iran ceasefire is in effect for the moment (depending on who you ask), President Donald Trump signaled that things could change very quickly if the Islamic Republic doesn’t agree to terms — by Wednesday.
Speaking on Air Force One, the president said the clock is ticking. In the meantime, the blockade will stay in force:
President Donald Trump said late Friday he may end the ceasefire with Iran unless a long-term agreement is reached by Wednesday.
"Maybe I won't extend it, but the blockade is going to remain," Trump told reporters on Air Force One. "So you have a blockade, and unfortunately we have to start dropping bombs again."
BREAKING Trump signals uncertainty on extending the ceasefire warning that if no deal is reached by Wednesday bombing could resume while maintaining the blockade as pressure on negotiations intensifies#NYI pic.twitter.com/1wbQqatSTU
— NewYork-Insight (@NewYork_Insight) April 18, 2026
As he often can be, the commander in chief was somewhat mysterious. “We had some pretty good news 20 minutes ago, but it seems to be going very well in the Middle East with Iran,” he said. “So we're going to be knowing very shortly. I expect things to go well. Many of these things have been negotiated and agreed to.”
When asked what the news was, Trump said, “You'll hear about it.”
Reuters: President Trump, without elaborating, cites “some pretty good news” on Iran
— Politics & Poll Tracker 📡 (@PollTracker2024) April 18, 2026
“We had some pretty good news 20 minutes ago, but it seems to be going very well in the Middle East with Ira,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One.
“You'll hear about. I just think… pic.twitter.com/JCymY9LXj1
“You'll hear about. I just think it's something that should happen. It's something that only makes sense to happen. And I think it will. We'll see what happens, but I think it will,” Trump said when asked what the good news was.
Meanwhile, he said that China and its leader, Xi Jinping, were pleased with the latest developments:
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) April 18, 2026
The news cycle has been frankly head-spinning, as one minute, things are looking up for peace, the next, the situation appears ominous.
MOVING FAST: Iranian Official Says Strait of Hormuz Is Closed Again Because Trump Violated the Deal
Oil Plummets on News of Iran/US Strait of Hormuz Agreement
It can also be weirdly humorous, as a cruise ship of all things traversed the strait Friday. Although there were reportedly no passengers on board, I can only imagine that if there were, the nerves of the travelers who presumably mostly just wanted to have a few drinks and see the world would have been shattered.
Iran’s Face-Saving Strait Spin Gets Upstaged by a Cruise Ship
First cruise ship transits Strait of Hormuz since conflict began
— MarineTraffic (@MarineTraffic) April 17, 2026
The cruise ship Celestyal Discovery has become the first passenger vessel to transit the Strait of Hormuz since the start of the conflict. The Malta-flagged vessel departed Dubai on 17 April after remaining docked… pic.twitter.com/3wR1P6Lc6G
The Malta-flagged vessel departed Dubai on 17 April after remaining docked for approximately 47 days, having first arrived in early March. According to #MarineTraffic data, the ship crossed the Strait of Hormuz at UTC today and is currently heading toward Muscat, Oman, with an estimated arrival on 18 April. Reports indicate the vessel is sailing without passengers.
This is a fast-moving story, but keep it here at RedState, and we’ll bring you the latest.
Editor's Note: For decades, former presidents have been all talk and no action. Now, Donald Trump is eliminating the threat from Iran once and for all.
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