First Thing: Trump announces extension of Iran ceasefire until ‘discussion concluded’

U-turn comes after Trump said the US military was ‘raring to go’.

Plus, Virginia voters pass new congressional maps in blow to president

Good morning.

Donald Trump https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/apr/21/push-to-bring-us-and-iran-together-for-peace-talks-as-ceasefire-deadline-looms">unilaterally announced an extension of the two-week ceasefire with Iran on Tuesday amid frantic efforts to bring the two sides back to the negotiating table.

How are Trump’s negotiating tactics being received? The president’s impatience and rough-house diplomatic style, including his frequent online posting, has been a key stumbling block to restarting peace talks, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/apr/21/trump-one-man-whatsapp-group-diplomacy-derailing-peace-talks">writes the Guardian’s diplomatic editor, Patrick Wintour.

Is Tehran united on how to deal with Washington? Analysts say it is not, with fierce disagreement among Iranian leaders over how to respond to US pressure and whether to risk a new wave of bombing.

Follow the latest updates https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2026/apr/22/iran-war-live-updates-trump-ceasefire-us-hormuz-blockade-israel-lebanon-middle-east">with our liveblog.

How much of a boost for the Democrats is Virginia’s referendum result? It could help them win four additional House seats in November’s midterms, which could prove pivotal in an evenly divided Congress.