President Donald Trump has issued a serious warning to Iran, saying it is time for “NO MORE MR. NICE GUY!” after what he called a total violation of the existing ceasefire agreement. The two-week ceasefire is set to expire this Wednesday. Trump made it clear that if Iran does not agree to a deal before that deadline, the United States is prepared to strike critical infrastructure in Iran, including power plants and bridges.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations Centre reported that a cargo ship was hit by an unknown projectile, which damaged containers but did not cause a fire. This came after reports that the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps approached a tanker northeast of Oman and fired on it, reports Newsweek. Trump cited Iran’s targeting of a French ship and a U.K. vessel as the main reasons behind his latest warnings.
A U.S. delegation is heading to Pakistan on Monday for another round of negotiations. The team will be led by Vice President JD Vance, who also led the first round of face-to-face talks last weekend. U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner will also be part of the talks. The goal is to reach a full agreement before the ceasefire runs out on Wednesday.
The Strait of Hormuz closure has dealt a serious blow to global trade and energy markets
Both the U.S. and Iran have set up competing blockades that have stopped most ship traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. Since early March, when the U.S. and Israel began attacks against Iran, the closure of this key waterway has caused major disruptions to global markets and fuel prices. Iran briefly opened the strait on Friday but quickly said it would stay closed until the U.S. lifts its blockade on Iranian ports.
The U.S. has said it will keep intercepting ships going to and from Iran until a peace deal is reached. This is not the first time Trump has used social media to issue direct warnings to regional actors, having previously posted on Truth Social to stop Israel from bombing Lebanon.
Inside the negotiating room, the gap between the two sides remains wide. Mohammed Bagher Qalibaf, the speaker of Iran’s parliament and its chief negotiator, said on state television that while Iran wants a deal, “there will be no retreat in the field of diplomacy.” He also said that “it is impossible for others to pass through the Strait of Hormuz while Iran remains unable to do so.”
The human cost of this conflict has been severe. At least 3,000 people have been killed in Iran, with over 2,290 deaths in Lebanon, 23 in Israel, and more than a dozen across various Gulf Arab states. On the military side, 15 Israeli soldiers have been killed in Lebanon and 13 U.S. service members have died throughout the region.
Those following the situation say Trump is very serious about the consequences if the Pakistan talks fail. According to Mediaite, the upcoming meetings are being described as a last-ditch effort to reach a settlement. The U.S. has reportedly built up a large amount of ammunition in the region, and the administration is said to be pushing for a full deal rather than any partial agreement.
Key U.S. demands reportedly include the removal of enriched uranium from Iran, the permanent reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, and an end to Iranian support for groups across the region. Trump has also been making headlines on other diplomatic fronts, having recently clashed with Pope Leo over White House criticism for the second time in just a few days.
The pressure is now mounting on both sides to find common ground before Wednesday. Trump has said he expects Iran to sign an agreement, and the Pakistan meetings will serve as the final test for this round of diplomacy. Whether the talks lead to a resolution or a further escalation of military action, the message from the White House is clear, the window for a peaceful deal is closing fast.
Published: Apr 20, 2026 10:00 am