Image Source, Reuters
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U.S. President Donald Trump has announced that the ceasefire period will be extended until talks with Iran conclude.
Trump stated that the maritime blockade on Iran will continue until Tehran presents a prepared proposal.
The two-week ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran is set to expire on Wednesday, with the second phase of talks still uncertain.
Vice President JD Vance, who was reportedly traveling to Islamabad for talks on Tuesday, remains in Washington. The White House has confirmed that Vance will not be visiting Pakistan as planned.
White House officials have informed CBS, the U.S. partner broadcaster, that direct negotiations will be communicated accordingly.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson has stated that Tehran has not yet decided to send a delegation for potential talks with the U.S.
United Nations Welcomes Decision to Extend Ceasefire
UN Secretary-General António Guterres welcomed Trump’s announcement.
Guterres’ office urged all parties to avoid violating the ceasefire and to engage constructively in talks.
According to his spokesperson, Guterres expressed hope for a lasting resolution while supporting Pakistan’s role in the process.
Before extending the previous ceasefire, the U.S. had attempted to maintain economic pressure on Iran.
Image Source, Reuters
U.S. Imposes Sanctions on 14 Iran-Linked Individuals and Entities
In a statement released from Washington on Monday, the U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control imposed sanctions on 14 individuals, organizations, and aircraft conducting transactions from Iran, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates.
The U.S. alleges that these individuals and entities are involved in purchasing and transporting weapons on behalf of the Iranian government.
What Are the Terms of the U.S.–Iran Ceasefire?
Image Source, Reuters
Initially, the ceasefire agreement between the U.S. and Iran included a condition to open the Strait of Hormuz, but this vital waterway remains closed.
According to President Trump, Tehran had agreed to open the Strait of Hormuz, which serves as a crucial Gulf route for oil transportation, for vessel traffic for two weeks. It was also agreed that coordination would be handled by the U.S. military.
U.S. Vice President JD Vance, who spent hours in discussions with Iranian officials aiming for a peace agreement, returned to Washington after failing to reach a deal.
Following the unsuccessful talks, the U.S. initiated a maritime blockade on Iran and has continued to increase economic pressure and impose additional sanctions.
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