U.S. President Donald Trump extended the ceasefire with Iran despite the collapse of peace talks as divisions inside Tehran deepened, particularly over uranium enrichment, CNN reported on April 21.
Trump made the decision just hours before the ceasefire was due to expire. Several days earlier, the United States had sent Iran a list of key points for a proposed agreement ahead of the next round of talks, CNN reported. But the White House received no response before Vice President JD Vance was set to leave for Pakistan for further meetings.
On April 22, Trump met at the White House with Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Caine and CIA Director John Ratcliffe. The officials urged Field Marshal Asim Munir, Pakistan’s intermediary in the talks, to get at least some response before Vance left for the meetings. But hours later, there was still no response, CNN reported.
Three officials said the main reason was a split within the Iranian leadership, which Pakistani intermediaries relayed to the United States. The Trump administration believes Iranian officials have not reached consensus on uranium enrichment and its stockpile of enriched uranium — the main sticking point in the peace talks.
The United States believes Iran’s new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, may not be giving clear instructions to his subordinates, leaving them to guess what he wants without specific guidance. CNN reported that Khamenei’s effort to remain in the shadows has disrupted internal discussions within the Iranian government.
One official said there is still a chance U.S. and Iranian negotiators could meet soon. But when that might happen remains unclear.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump announced the extension of the ceasefire, calling Iranian government officials “seriously divided.” He said he wants a diplomatic end to the war, fearing a return to an unpopular conflict that, in his words, the United States had already “won.” Still, the collapse of the talks underscores the difficulties Trump continues to face as he seeks a highly conditional deal, the report said.
In theory, extending the ceasefire could give Iran more time to settle on a unified position approved by Khamenei. U.S. officials said the next round of talks could be arranged quickly if the White House receives a signal from Tehran that it is ready.
On April 22, Trump said he had extended the ceasefire at Pakistan’s request, “given the serious split in the Iranian government,” until Tehran’s representatives submit their proposal for a peace settlement.
