Trump extended the ceasefire with Iran and kept the port blockade in place
U.S. President Donald Trump announced an extension of the ceasefire with Iran, while maintaining the blockade of Iranian ports until progress is made in the negotiations.
Trump wrote about this on April 21 on the social media platform Truth Social.
According to the White House chief, this decision was made in light of internal divisions within the Iranian leadership, as well as following appeals from Pakistan.
“We were asked to hold off on an attack on Iran until their leaders and representatives can come up with a unified proposal. Therefore, I have ordered our armed forces to continue the blockade and remain ready and combat-ready in all other respects, as well as to maintain the ceasefire until their proposal is submitted and discussions are concluded, one way or another,” Trump stated.
He clarified that the ceasefire will remain in effect until the parties demonstrate real progress in the negotiations. At the same time, U.S. military forces remain on full combat alert.
The decision to extend the pause in hostilities was also made following consultations with Pakistan’s Army Chief of Staff Asim Munir and the country’s Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif.
In this way, the U.S. is attempting to maintain a balance between diplomatic efforts and pressure on Iran, without lifting key restrictions, particularly the naval blockade.
Prior to this, U.S. President Donald Trump stated that Iran had repeatedly violated the ceasefire since its implementation between Washington and Tehran. According to Trump, there have been numerous incidents that cast doubt on Iran’s compliance with the ceasefire agreements.
Trumpexpressed his willingness to meet personally with Iran’s new leadership.
US President Donald Trump also announced progress in negotiations with Iran, under which Washington would allegedly receive all of Tehran’s enriched uranium without any financial payments.
Additionally, Israel agreed to a 10-day ceasefire with Lebanon and announced the start of a move toward a diplomatic settlement; however, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized that the war against Hezbollah is not yet over and military operations will continue.
Additionally, Iran announced new rules for ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, which is one of the world’s key oil supply routes. Commercial vessels will now be able to transit only with permission from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy.
