Trump extends ceasefire but does not lay off naval blockade

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Breaking News! Latest Updates on the Iraq War: Trump unleashes his ultimate move

—Major Breaking News on Tuesday: Trump extends ceasefire but does not lay off naval blockade

Reporter :Wang Duruo / Editor : Fang Xun / https://www.aboluowang.com/2026/0422/2375009.html

On Tuesday, U.S. President Trump announced an extension of the ceasefire agreement with Iran, but made it clear that the US naval blockade would not be lifted, and all troops would remain on high alert. Aboluowang commentator Wang Duran analyzes Trump's tactics.

Trump pointed out that due to "serious divisions" within Iran, at the request of the Pakistani military and government, the U.S. agreed to suspend attacks, giving Iran time to consolidate its negotiating position. He also emphasized that the US military will continue the blockade and maintain comprehensive pressure until Iran presents a unified solution.

Wang Duran's situation analysis: Trump's tactics emerge:

The core strategy is very clear:

No rush to attack, but sustained pressure.

First, avoid ground warfare to prevent casualties. Trump has consistently prioritized the cost of lives, applying pressure within a controllable range rather than incurring exorbitant costs.

Second, the blockade inflicts sustained economic damage. Under the blockade, Iran loses approximately $400 million daily, further exacerbating its already strained finances.

Third, time becomes a key variable. Iran's oil storage capacity is limited, and the blockade has been ongoing for several days, nearing its limit of approximately 14 days. Once the storage tanks are full, oil wells will be forced to shut down, causing long-term losses.

Another crucial point: The U.S. is "reaping benefits while imposing a blockade."

More importantly, the U.S. is not only suppressing Iran but also "reaping the rewards."

The oil tankers intercepted a few days ago were worth nearly $200 million each, essentially intercepting resources that were about to be acquired by China. With the Strait of Hormuz blocked, Iranian oil cannot be transported out, tightening global market supply.

In this situation, energy demand will be forced to shift to the US—

If oil cannot come out, people will have to buy from the US.

This is a real boon for US energy exports and the overall economy.

Strategic core: Time is on the US's side.

This "blockade war" has clear advantages:

It does not trigger a full-scale war and circumvents restrictions from the U.S. Congress.

It continuously weakens the opponent's economy and energy lifeline.

At the same time, it strengthens the U.S.'s own energy position.

In other words, Trump is applying pressure while simultaneously increasing the U.S.'s chances of winning.

The situation appears to have cooled down, but it is actually getting tougher.

The ceasefire is merely a facade; the blockade is the core objective.

Wang Duran summarized it in one sentence: "I won't attack you, but I'll make you bleed every day, while turning your money into my opportunities."

Trump tweets late at night: Iran faces collapse

Editor : Zheng Haozhong / Source: The Epoch Times / https://www.aboluowang.com/2026/0422/2375117.html 

At midnight on the 21st, Eastern Time, U.S. President Trump stated that the strait closure is costing Iran $500 million a day and Iran is facing "financial collapse." However, if the strait is reopened during the ceasefire, a deal with Iran will never be possible.

Trump posted on the Truth Social platform, "They (Iran) want the Strait of Hormuz open immediately—they desperately need the money! $500 million a day."

"Military and police personnel are complaining they aren't getting paid. SOS!!!" he continued.

These remarks echo a post Trump made earlier on Tuesday. At the time, the president stated, "Iran doesn't want to close the Strait of Hormuz; they want it open so they can make $500 million a day (which they would lose if the strait were closed!)."

He added, "They say they want to close the strait because I completely blocked it (closed it!), so they're just saying it to 'save face.'"

The president also said, "Four days ago, someone came to me and said, 'Sir, Iran wants to open the strait immediately.' But if we do that, we will never reach a deal with Iran unless we blow up the rest of Iran, including their leaders!"

Earlier on Tuesday, Trump announced an indefinite extension of the ceasefire with Iran to buy more time for diplomacy, but the blockade of Iranian ports will continue during the ceasefire. He explained that Pakistan itself requested a postponement of the planned U.S. attack on Iran so that Iranian leaders and representatives could develop a unified plan.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Bessant also stated on Tuesday that the oil storage facilities on Iran's Kharg Island would be saturated within days. The Treasury Secretary emphasized that the U.S. would continue to block ships entering and leaving Iranian ports while undertaking other measures aimed at weakening the Iranian regime's economic power.

“As the U.S. President has made it clear, the US Navy will continue its blockade of Iranian ports. Within days, the (oil) storage facilities on Kharg Island will be saturated, and vulnerable Iranian oil wells will be shut down,” Bessenter stated on the X platform.

“Restricting Iran’s maritime trade will directly strike at the regime’s main source of revenue. The US Treasury will continue to exert maximum pressure through the ‘Economic Fury’ program to systematically weaken Tehran’s ability to raise, transfer, and repatriate funds,” he added.

The Treasury Secretary also warned that anyone assisting Iran could face sanctions. “Anyone or vessel that facilitates these financial flows through clandestine trade and financing activities will face the risk of U.S. sanctions,” he said.

Most of Iran’s energy production is concentrated on Kharg Island. Even during the war, Iran was able to produce and sell a considerable amount of oil. If the blockade is effective and Iran’s oil reserves are running out, then according to JPMorgan Chase, Iran may have to cut or halt crude oil production. Crude oil exports account for 80% of Iran’s export revenue.

“We will continue to freeze funds stolen by Iran’s corrupt leadership to protect the interests of the Iranian people,” Bessenter said.

Image : 21 April 21, 026: U.S. President Donald Trump attends the NCAA National Championship Day event in the White House State Dining Room. (Alex Wong/Getty Images North America/Getty Images via AFP)