In order to allow the two nations to pursue peace negotiations to end the war, US President Donald Trump has said that he will extend the ceasefire with Iran forever. A two-week truce was about to expire this morning when the announcement was made. Trump claimed to be acting at Pakistan’s request in a Truth Social post. He did, however, also declare that he would maintain the US Navy’s blockade of Iran’s shores and ports, which Iran’s officials have referred to as an act of war. He declared that unless Tehran makes a “unified proposal,” the blockade of Iranian ports will remain in place.
Trump’s declaration seemed to be unilateral, and it wasn’t immediately apparent if Iran or Israel, a US ally, would consent to an extension of the ceasefire that started two weeks ago.
Iran’s top officials did not immediately respond, but Tasnim News Agency, which is connected to Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, said that Iran had repeatedly threatened to use force to breach the US blockade and had not requested an extension of the ceasefire.
Vice President JD Vance’s scheduled trip to Islamabad for a second round of negotiations with Tehran was earlier postponed by the White House.
In the meantime, the United States has placed sanctions on 14 Iran-affiliated people, organizations, and planes, focusing on networks that acquire and transport weapons and parts for the Iranian government. Those identified are based in Iran, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates, according to the US Department of Treasury Office of Foreign Assets Control, which announced the move.
