The 14-day ceasefire expires at 04:50 local time April 22. Iran's parliament advisor calls Trump's extension a ploy for a surprise attack. Treasury Secretary Bessent says Kharg Island oil storage is nearly full and wells will shut down. Vance confirmed he will not travel to Pakistan today.
President Trump openly discusses seizing Iran's oil infrastructure including Kharg Island as 3,500 additional troops arrive in the Middle East aboard USS Tripoli and Pentagon plans 82nd Airborne deployment.
With nearly 5,000 Marines and 2,000 paratroopers deployed to the region, analysts examine the feasibility and risks of a US ground operation to capture Iran's most critical oil terminal.
Washington Post reveals plans for limited raids on Kharg Island and Hormuz coastal sites while Iran strikes Kuwait and Saudi Arabia
Pentagon destroys military installations on Iran's main oil export hub while preserving energy facilities as strategic warning