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Iran sets conditions as ceasefire extended, tensions persist
April 21, 2026
Posted 4 hours ago by
Iran has set a key precondition for entering talks, insisting that the blockade on its ports must be lifted before any negotiations can begin. Officials accuse the United States of violating the ceasefire by targeting an Iranian vessel, escalating tensions just hours before the truce deadline. Al Jazeera’s Ali Hashim reports from Tehran, where defiant messages continue from senior leaders and military officials, signaling readiness for confrontation while warning regional countries against supporting any potential attacks.
Iran maintains it can defend its interests and counter pressure, emphasizing that ongoing restrictions amount to an act of war. Despite rising tensions, US President Donald Trump has announced an extension of the ceasefire without specifying a timeline, keeping a fragile pause in fighting. Al Jazeera’s Chief US correspondent Alan Fisher reports from Washington, DC, saying the extension comes at the last moment, leaving key questions about who Washington has been engaging with in Tehran and whether there is real progress toward a deal. Meanwhile, Jason Campbell, a senior fellow at the Middle East Institute, says the tone of Washington’s messaging suggests an attempt to portray Iran as divided, while shifting pressure onto Tehran to present a unified proposal for future talks. Subscribe to our channel: http://bit.ly/AJSubscribe Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/AJEnglish Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aljazeera Check our website: http://www.aljazeera.com/ Check out our Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/aljazeeraenglish/ Download AJE Mobile App: https://aje.io/AJEMobile #Iran #USIranTensions #Ceasefire #IranTalks #Tehran #MiddleEastTensions #IranBlockade #USForeignPolicy #IranCrisis #DiplomaticTensions #BreakingNews #AlJazeeraEnglish
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