Muhammed Yasin Gungor, Berk Kutay Gokmen
21 April 2026
Last Updated: 21 April 2026
President Donald Trump stated on Tuesday that Washington had taken advantage of the ceasefire period with Iran to replenish its weapons stocks, while asserting that Tehran had likely done the same and was attempting to move missiles.
Trump told CNBC that he was “ready to act” regarding resuming strikes if the prospects for signing an agreement did not materialize, while expressing confidence that both parties would ultimately reach an “excellent agreement,” an agreement that, he said earlier, would surpass the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
Trump also stated that the Iranian-flagged cargo ship TOUSKA, seized on Sunday by US forces after refusing to comply with blockade directives, was carrying what he described as a “gift from China.”
US Central Command confirmed that the ship remained under US guard following its interception. China did not immediately respond to this claim.
Regarding a potential monetary agreement with the United Arab Emirates, Trump said that an exchange was “under consideration,” referring to the Gulf state as a “good country.”
The two-week ceasefire, ending Wednesday evening Washington time, was described by the president as having been violated “several times” by Iran. He had previously stated that its extension was “highly unlikely” without a prior agreement.
Vice President JD Vance, alongside envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, is expected to travel to Islamabad for a new round of talks. Iran has not officially confirmed its participation, demanding the lifting of the US naval blockade as a precondition.
* Translated from English by Mariem Njeh
