US President Donald Trump has extended the ceasefire with Iran as negotiations remain stalled, with Tehran refusing to return to talks until the United States lifts its blockade on Iranian ports.
Announcing the decision, Trump said: “We have been asked to hold our Attack on the Country of Iran until such time as their leaders and representatives can come up with a unified proposal.”
“I have therefore directed our Military to continue the Blockade and, in all other respects, remain ready and able, and will therefore extend the Ceasefire until such time as their proposal is submitted, and discussions are concluded, one way or the other.”
Mediators led by Pakistan are attempting to bring Iran back to the negotiating table, though planned talks in Islamabad have been delayed.
Iran has yet to formally respond to the extension, while an advisor to parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf described the move as a “ploy to buy time,” warning the ongoing blockade was “no different from bombardment and must be met with a military response.”
The extension comes amid rising tensions, including a US interception of a ship bound for Iran in the Indian Ocean, as both sides remain at an impasse.
Source: The Advertiser.
