Erica Siaulinski, Staff Writer
On April 8, 2026 the United States and Iran agreed to a two week cease fire agreement which was mediated by Pakistan. Originally Iran had rejected a proposal, for 45 days, two phased cases of ceasefire. Since the declaration of this ceasefire, there have been accusations of violation of this on both sides.
On Tuesday April 21st, President Donald Trump announced that he would be extending the ceasefire with Iran, holding off a planned attack by the US military in hopes to allow for Tehran to propose an end to the war. The truce had been set to expire on Wednesday, the 22nd.
“I have therefore directed our Military to continue the Blockade and, in all other respects, remain ready and able, and will therefore extend the Ceasefire until such time as their proposal is submitted, and discussions are concluded, one way or the other,” the US president said in a social media post.
The lack of a deadline from the President suggests that the truces extension is open ended, without a set date to expire on. The President announced that he will extend the ceasefire until Iran and its leaders “can come up with a unified proposal”
Only hours before President Trump’s social media post, the President said that he in fact opposed extending the ceasefire agreement. Stating that Iran had a limited amount of time left to decide how to proceed, before the US launched an attack on Iran’s infrastructure.
News outlets showed Iranians celebrating the extension of the ceasefire, but for many this could also mean an end to any hope of change with the Iranian regime. While some others don’t believe the ceasefire means anything, and that it may be violated.
Hamid Nouri, stated during a debate, “The initial fever and anger will calm down and I think the atmosphere will become much better. In no way do we trust America. I don’t think there is one Iranian who trusts America. And God willing victory is ours.” Later reports by news agencies said pro-government demonstrators chanted: “Death to America, death to Israel, death to compromisers!” Organizers tried at one point to calm and negotiate with demonstrators, but they continued the chants, reports from news outlets stated. People also proceeded to burn US and Israeli flags in the street.
Widespread Internet blackouts in Iran make it hard to access anti-regimeist voices at the moment. Yet, other civilians such as Ali, a 31-year-old man in Tehran, had this to say. “Most people here don’t trust the US and still don’t know exactly what is going to happen, so they are unsure whether they should be happy or worried,”
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