United States ruler Donald Trump has extended the ceasefire with Iran, citing a “seriously fractured government.” Trump also said the ceasefire would continue “until such time as” Iran’s leaders and representatives submit a “unified proposal” to end the war with the U.S. and Israel.
According to a report by CNBC, Trump’s announcement came after reports that an expected trip by Vice President JD Vance to Pakistan for a second round of peace talks with Iranian officials had been put on hold, and after the Iranian state news outlet Tasnim reported that negotiators from Tehran had informed their U.S. counterparts through an intermediary in Pakistan that they would not appear for further talks.
Vance Fails In Iran: No Peace Deal
“Iran ultimately announced today that under these circumstances, attending the negotiations is a waste of time because the US prevents reaching any suitable agreement,” Tasnim reported, as cited by CNBC.
An advisor to the speaker of Iran’s parliament, Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, called Trump’s ceasefire extension “a ploy to buy time” for a surprise strike, Reuters reported.
Qalibaf’s advisor, in a post on X, also said the continued blockade of Iranian ports by the U.S. Navy was “no different from bombardment and must be met with a military response,” according to the Reuters report.
Iran has already accused the U.S. and Israel of violating the initial ceasefire agreement, due to continued strikes in Lebanon.
Iran Accused Israel and The U.S. Of Violating The Ceasefire
Trump initially said that he had no intention of extending the ceasefire agreement, without stating a reason. Earlier on Tuesday, Trump, during an interview with CNBC’s “Squawk Box,” said, “I don’t want to do that,” after being asked if he would extend the ceasefire to allow for peace talks to reach a deal.
Iran has also vowed to retaliate for the U.S. seizure and attack of a cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz. Only time will tell if the ruling class actually intends to follow throught with this threat.
Iran Vowed Retaliation After US Seizure Of Cargo Ship