Iran has dismissed the extension of the ceasefire proposed by US President Donald Trump and has once again shut down the vital trade route of the Strait of Hormuz.
President Trump, in a social media post on Tuesday, directed the military to uphold the blockade and has decided to prolong the ceasefire until further discussions are completed.
According to a report from a local Iranian news outlet, an advisor to Iranian Parliament Speaker Ghalibaf stated that Trump’s ceasefire extension is perceived as a tactic to stall for time before a potential surprise attack. The advisor emphasized that Iran should now take the lead in the situation.
Iranian state media confirmed that Iran did not seek an extension of the ceasefire agreement.
The conflict between the US and Iran escalated on February 28 with joint military strikes involving Israel on key Iranian facilities. In response, Iran carried out retaliatory strikes in the Middle East and closed the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a crucial passageway for 20% of global oil trade.
Despite a temporary ceasefire from the US side, a lasting resolution to the conflict has not been reached. The US has enforced a naval blockade on Iranian ports in the strait to disrupt Iranian trade and compel negotiations.
Iranian state media announced that the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed as long as the naval blockade persists, and Iran is prepared to break the blockade by force if necessary.
The White House disclosed that Vice President JD Vance and the US negotiating team will not travel to Pakistan as planned, following the extension of the ceasefire and awaiting Iran’s proposal. No updates were provided regarding potential face-to-face meetings scheduled for the next day.