Although a short-term ceasefire now remains from the US perspective, the countries have failed to reach a long-term solution to the conflict which started on February 28
Iran has rejected US President Donald Trump’s ceasefire extension and again closed the critical Strait of Hormuz trade route.
Trump in a post on Truth Social on Tuesday, April 21, said: “I have… 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.”
A local Iranian news outlet on Tuesday reported that the advisor to Iranian Parliament Speaker Ghalibaf has said that Trump’s ceasefire extension is “certainly a ploy to buy time for a surprise strike,” adding: “The losing side cannot dictate terms.”
The advisor reportedly added that the “time for Iran to take initiative has come”.
Iranian state media reported that the country did not request extension of ceasefire.
The US has been at war with Iran since February 28, when it carried out joint strikes with Israel on several key Iranian sites. Iran retaliated by striking sites across the Middle East and closing the Strait of Hormuz, through which 20% of global oil traded passes.
Although a short-term ceasefire now remains from the US perspective, the countries have failed to reach a long-term solution to the conflict. The US has imposed a blockade on Iranian ports in the strait in an attempt to choke Iranian trade, lift the closure and pressure negotiations.
Iranian state media reported on Tuesday that Iran will not open Strait of Hormuz as long as naval blockade continues, and will break blockade by force if necessary.
Negotiators from both sides, including US Vice President JD Vance, will meet in Islamabad, Pakistan on Wednesday for another round of negotiations.
