WASHINGTON DC: US President Donald Trump announced an indefinite extension of the ceasefire with Iran, just hours before it was due to expire, in a bid to keep diplomatic efforts alive to end a weeks-long conflict that has caused heavy casualties and disrupted the global economy.
Earlier warnings of renewed military action were set aside as Trump said he agreed to a request from Pakistan—which has been mediating talks—to delay any further attacks until Iranian leaders present a unified proposal for peace.
The announcement appeared to be made unilaterally, with no immediate confirmation from Iran or US ally Israel on whether they would support the extension. Trump also indicated that the US would maintain its naval blockade of Iranian ports, a move Tehran has repeatedly described as an act of war.
There was no official response from Iran’s top leadership, though Tasnim News Agency, linked to the Revolutionary Guards, reported that Tehran had not requested an extension and reiterated its stance against the blockade. An adviser to Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf dismissed the move, suggesting it was a tactic to buy time and warning that Iran could take decisive action.
Trump said the ceasefire would remain in place until Iran submits its proposal and negotiations reach a conclusion.
(Inputs from Reuters)
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