Trump to Extend Iran Ceasefire Amid Ongoing Blockade Measures

US President Extends Ceasefire with Iran Until Unified Proposal is Presented

In a statement released on Tuesday, US President Donald Trump announced an extension of the ceasefire with Iran, citing Pakistani mediators’ request for more time to facilitate discussions between the two nations. The truce was set to expire on Wednesday.

Trump stated that the US military will continue its blockade and remain ready to respond, but will suspend any planned attack until a unified proposal from Iranian leaders is presented and discussed. This decision comes after hours of warning Iran that time is running out, with Trump expressing opposition to extending the truce earlier in the day.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemned the US naval blockade on Iranian ports as an “act of war” and a violation of the ceasefire. The Iranian leadership has been criticized for its handling of internal divisions, with some officials suggesting that disagreements within the leadership are slowing down diplomatic efforts.

However, Al Jazeera’s reporting from Tehran suggests that this assertion may be unfounded, as Iran appears to have a unified leadership following the assassination of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. The new leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, is reportedly working closely with his team and has been in place for over 15 years.

The ceasefire was established on April 8, but disagreements over issues such as Lebanon’s inclusion in the truce and control of the Strait of Hormuz have led to ongoing tensions. The US seeks a complete shutdown of Iran’s nuclear program, limits on its missile production, and support for regional allies, while Tehran insists on its right to enrich uranium domestically.

The extension of the ceasefire has raised questions about whether it will be enough to bring Iran to the negotiating table in Islamabad.

Source: Al Jazeera