Trump Extends US-Iran Ceasefire Indefinitely; IRGC Seizes Two Ships in Hormuz on Day 54

Hours after the April 21 ceasefire expiry, President Trump announced via Truth Social on April 22 that he was extending the US-Iran ceasefire indefinitely 'at Pakistan's request,' stating Iran's government was 'seriously fractured' and needed more time to submit a 'unified proposal.' The US naval blockade of Iranian ports remained fully in effect despite the extension — a distinction Trump made explicit, claiming Iran was losing '$500 million a day' and was 'collapsing financially.' The White House published a release reiterating US objectives: obliterating Iran's ballistic missile arsenal, annihilating its navy, severing proxy support, and preventing nuclear acquisition. Despite the extension, April 22 (Day 54 of the conflict) saw the most significant maritime escalation since the blockade began: Iran's IRGC Navy seized two container ships in the Strait of Hormuz — the MSC Francesca (accused of Israeli links) and the Epaminondas (accused of tampering with navigation systems) — and fired on at least three additional vessels. Iran's Foreign Minister Araghchi continued characterizing the US blockade as 'an act of war' and a ceasefire violation, while Iran's state TV stated no delegation would travel to Islamabad 'until Americans change their behavior.' Pakistan's PM Shehbaz Sharif publicly thanked Trump for the extension, confirming Islamabad's diplomatic brokering role. The US simultaneously expanded sanctions targeting Iran's weapons programs. Oil markets whipsawed: Brent crude spiked near $100/barrel on initial fears of resumed strikes before retreating; WTI settled at $87.50–$90.66.