Ceasefire Lasts Only 3-5 Days! Trump Pressures Negotiation Window, Internal Chaos in Iran Becomes Major Variable

April 22 — Multiple sources report U.S. President Trump has agreed to extend the U.S.-Iran ceasefire for just 3 to 5 days, not the long-term arrangement the market had anticipated. The extension is intended to provide a final window for a new round of talks. Pakistani officials say the second round of negotiations could resume within 36 to 72 hours, but Iran’s Tasnim News Agency has stated Tehran has not yet decided whether to join Friday’s talks. The core obstacle to current negotiations is Iran’s internal power struggle: the hardline faction led by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) is openly clashing with the civilian government on key issues, even vetoing existing negotiation outcomes. Meanwhile, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has not issued a public statement in some time, leaving negotiations without a final decision-making authority. The U.S. assessment is that a diplomatic resolution remains possible, but military options will be back on the table if Iran fails to unify its stance by the deadline. Currently, the U.S. is using the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz as its primary negotiation leverage to pressure Iran into returning to talks. Analysts note this “short-term ceasefire + high-pressure negotiation” strategy reflects the White House’s desire to quickly disengage from Middle East conflicts. However, Iran’s internal disarray is the biggest uncertainty threatening a negotiation breakdown.