An adviser to Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Iran’s chief negotiator, said on Tuesday that the ceasefire extension announced by U.S. President Donald Trump is a “tactic to buy time” for launching a surprise attack.
In a post on the platform X, the adviser stated that the continuation of the U.S. blockade on Iranian ports “is no different from bombardment and must be responded to militarily.”
Trump had earlier announced the extension of the ceasefire with Iran to allow more time for negotiations, while also confirming that the U.S. blockade on Iranian ports would remain in place.
Writing on Truth Social, Trump said the ceasefire would be extended until Iran presents a proposal to end the war, noting that he had instructed the military to continue enforcing the blockade.
Meanwhile, Pakistan has urged both the United States and Iran to extend the two-week ceasefire, according to Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry.
The ministry said Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar emphasized during a meeting with U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Natalie A. Baker the importance of continued engagement between Washington and Tehran, adding that Pakistan has encouraged both sides to consider extending the truce.
Trump’s decision to extend the ceasefire came just hours before its scheduled expiration.
— Reuters
