'Will start dropping bombs again'; US President Donald Trump threatens Iran yet again

Saturday 18 April 2026 1:00 PM IST

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump warned that a ceasefire would not last if a long-term deal is not reached with Iran. Trump also told reporters that US sanctions on Iranian ports would remain in place if no deal is reached.

"I may not extend it, but the sanctions will remain. Unfortunately, we will have to drop bombs again," Trump told reporters at the Air Force Base on his way back to Washington from Arizona.

The two countries are reportedly close to reaching a peace deal. Within hours of Trump announcing that he was close to a deal to end the war, Iran opened the Strait of Hormuz. Trump declared that the Hormuz crisis was over and thanked Iran. Trump declared that Iran would never close the Strait of Hormuz again nor use it as a weapon against the world.

Iran has announced that all commercial ships will be able to pass through Hormuz during the ceasefire period. Trump also announced that Iran started removing naval mines in Hormuz with the help of the US. The intervention of Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar was crucial in opening Hormuz.

The Iran-US ceasefire, which came into effect on the 8th of this month, expires on the 21st. The mediator countries are continuing their efforts to reach an agreement before then. There are indications that talks will be held soon in Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan.