Iran has dismissed the offer of an extended ceasefire by US President Donald Trump and has once again shut down the vital trade route of the Strait of Hormuz.
In a statement on Truth Social, Trump mentioned that he has instructed the military to maintain the blockade and extend the ceasefire until Iran submits its proposal for discussions.
An Iranian news outlet quoted an advisor to Iranian Parliament Speaker Ghalibaf who believes that Trump’s ceasefire extension is simply a tactic to delay and prepare for a surprise attack, stating that Iran should now take the lead.
Reports from Iranian state media confirm that Iran did not seek an extension of the ceasefire and remains firm on its stance regarding the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.
Following military actions between the US and Iran in late February, which included strikes on Iranian sites and subsequent retaliatory measures by Iran, the situation escalated, leading to the closure of the critical trade route where a significant portion of global oil trade passes.
Despite the temporary ceasefire proposed by the US, a lasting resolution to the conflict has not been achieved. The US aims to pressure Iran into negotiations by imposing a naval blockade on Iranian ports in the strait.
Iran has declared that it will not reopen the Strait of Hormuz as long as the blockade persists, and is prepared to use force to break the blockade if necessary.
The White House announced the postponement of US Vice President JD Vance and the negotiating delegation’s trip to Pakistan in light of Trump’s ceasefire extension and the expectation of a proposal from Iran. Plans for in-person meetings, set for the following day, remain uncertain at this time.
