WASHINGTON — U.S. President Donald Trump said on Saturday he may not extend a tentative ceasefire between the United States and Iran if negotiations fail to produce an agreement, as a separate 10-day truce between Israel and Lebanon remained in effect.
Trump made the remarks aboard Air Force One while addressing questions about the fragile pause in hostilities with Iran. He warned that without a deal, the U.S. could resume military action, including maintaining a naval blockade on Iranian ports.
The comments came amid efforts to extend or formalize a broader ceasefire following weeks of conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran. A 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, announced by Trump on Thursday, took effect late that day to allow negotiations toward a more permanent arrangement. The truce aims to halt fighting between Israeli forces and the Iran-backed Hezbollah group in Lebanon.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced on Friday that the Strait of Hormuz was “completely open” to commercial vessels in connection with the Lebanon ceasefire. Trump welcomed the move but reiterated that the U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports, implemented earlier in the week, would continue until a comprehensive agreement is reached.
Details of the potential U.S.-Iran deal remain unclear. Trump previously expressed confidence that talks were advancing and indicated that another round could occur soon, possibly in Pakistan. He has stated that key elements, including limits on Iran’s nuclear program, have been discussed.
The Israel-Lebanon ceasefire “may be extended by mutual agreement” if progress is shown in negotiations, according to a U.S. State Department statement. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun have been invited to Washington for further talks, though no date has been confirmed.
Trump said in a social media post that Israel is “prohibited” from further strikes on Lebanon under the current arrangement. Hezbollah has acknowledged the truce but has not publicly committed to abiding by it, according to reports.
As of Saturday, the Lebanon ceasefire appeared to be holding, with limited reports of violations. The broader regional situation, including the U.S.-Iran ceasefire, faces a potential expiration in coming days. Trump indicated he could choose not to extend it if no agreement materializes.
“ Maybe I won’t extend it,” Trump said when asked about prolonging the pause with Iran.
U.S. officials have not provided further details on the timing or conditions for any extension. Iranian responses to Trump’s latest comments were not immediately available. Vessel traffic in the Strait of Hormuz showed limited commercial activity despite announcements of its reopening, according to tracking data.
The situation across the region remained fluid on Saturday, with both diplomatic efforts and military posturing continuing. No immediate changes to the existing ceasefires or blockade were announced.
