Srinagar, Apr 22 — US President Donald Trump has extended the ceasefire with Iran while continuing a blockade of Iranian ports and the Strait of Hormuz, linking the move to Tehran submitting a proposal for talks.
Trump said the ceasefire would remain in place until “discussions are concluded, one way or the other,” even as the maritime restrictions continue.
Iran strongly objected, with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stating that “blockading Iranian ports is an act of war and thus a violation of the ceasefire,” and adding that Tehran knows “how to resist bullying.”
The extension follows diplomatic outreach from Pakistan, where Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army chief Asim Munir urged the US administration to prolong the ceasefire to prevent further escalation.
Despite the extension, key disagreements remain unresolved. The US blockade of Iranian ports and critical shipping lanes has emerged as the primary sticking point, alongside disputes over Iran’s uranium enrichment programme.
Tensions are also persisting beyond the Gulf. In Lebanon, Israeli forces have continued airstrikes and demolitions in the south despite a 10-day ceasefire, while Hezbollah has announced retaliatory attacks on northern Israel, citing repeated violations of the truce.
With both sides holding firm positions on security and nuclear issues, there is little indication of a breakthrough in talks in the immediate term.