Iran has rejected the choice of US President Donald Trump to increase the ceasefire and termed the US blockade of the Strait of Hormuz as an act of warfare. 

An adviser to Iran’s parliamentary speaker and chief negotiator, Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf, described it as a tactic to organize for a possible “shock assault”.

The adviser additionally referred to as for a army response in opposition to the continuing US blockade, signalling Tehran’s rising unease over Washington’s actions. In line with Reuters, Iran views the continued restrictions as a provocation regardless of the announcement of a truce extension.

Ceasefire Prolonged, Blockade Continues

On Tuesday, Trump introduced that the ceasefire with Iran can be extended, however made it clear that the naval blockade on Iranian ports would stay in place. He mentioned Tehran should first current a “unified proposal” to maneuver ahead with negotiations.

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Pakistan’s Request, Iran’s Inner Divisions Cited

In a press release on Fact Social, Trump mentioned the choice was influenced by a request from Pakistan’s management and what he described as divisions throughout the Iranian authorities. “There may be severe division inside Iran’s authorities, so we have now determined to carry off our assault and lengthen the ceasefire till they current a unified proposal,” he mentioned.

In the meantime, US Vice President JD Vance has cancelled his deliberate go to to Islamabad, the place a second spherical of talks with Iran was anticipated. A White Home official confirmed the event, stating that Washington is at the moment awaiting Tehran’s response.

Tehran Units Precondition for Talks

Iran has not confirmed its participation in additional negotiations and has laid down a transparent situation: the US should raise the blockade earlier than any talks can proceed.

Iranian Overseas Minister Abbas Araghchi accused Washington of violating the ceasefire, arguing that the blockade of Iranian ports quantities to an “act of warfare”. He additional alleged that an assault on a business vessel and the detention of its crew constituted a severe breach.