Continue War or Peace: Iran "Divided" After Trump's Ceasefire Extension
Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - Iran’s government is facing internal divisions regarding its policy direction after US President Donald Trump extended the ceasefire with Tehran indefinitely. On one side, hardline groups are pushing for the continuation of war, while the moderate faction calls for dialogue and de-escalation.
Iranian state media and military elites have affirmed readiness to resume conflict with the US and Israel. Displays of strength were held in Tehran, coinciding with the end of the two-week ceasefire that has now been extended.
At Enghelab Square, the Khorramshahr-4 ballistic missile was showcased before the masses. Meanwhile, at Vanak Square, masked men carrying rifles stood atop Ghadr missile launchers, accompanied by anti-US chants.
“What more must the US do for it to be considered a ceasefire violation?” said religious singer Hossein Taheri during an event, emphasising that government supporters would continue to take to the streets until they can “take revenge”.
State television has reinforced the hardline narrative. One presenter even claimed, without citing sources, that 87% of Iranians prefer returning to war over making concessions in negotiations.
On the other hand, military pressure continues to mount. The Khatam al-Anbiya military headquarters stated that forces are ready to “shoot at any time” in response to aggression. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) also reportedly seized two ships in the Strait of Hormuz.
“If their territory is used to attack Iran, they must say goodbye to oil production in the Middle East,” said IRGC Aerospace Commander Majid Mousavi, warning neighbouring countries, as quoted by Al Jazeera on Thursday (23/4/2026).
Tensions have also spilled into the digital realm. The Tasnim news agency stated that underwater internet cables could be the next target, potentially triggering a “digital disaster” in the region.
Meanwhile, from New York, Iran’s Ambassador to the UN Saeed Iravani affirmed that negotiations can only continue if the US lifts the blockade against Iran.
Trump himself stated that the ceasefire extension was made because the Iranian government is deemed divided and unable to formulate a unified proposal. He also claimed that Iran is experiencing “financial collapse”.
Amid this pressure, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf asserted that Iran will not surrender. However, he acknowledged the military power imbalance.
“We are not militarily stronger than the US. They have more resources. But we are the winners in this arena,” he said.
Ghalibaf added that Iran’s main goal is to fight for the people’s rights, not absolute victory, and described negotiations as a “method of combat”.
Differences in stance also emerged from President Masoud Pezeshkian. Although supporting the military, he assessed that prolonged conflict is not beneficial. “The solution is not escalation, but common sense, dialogue, and avoiding further destruction,” he said.
During the 40 days of conflict, thousands of rounds of ammunition reportedly struck various Iranian infrastructure, from energy facilities to transportation. Many hospitals, schools, and residential areas suffered damage.