Arabic version: ترامب يمدد وقف إطلاق النار مع إيران في ظل استمرار التوترات

President Donald Trump has announced the extension of the ceasefire with Iran, stating that it will continue until Tehran submits its latest proposal with conditions for ending the war. According to Al Jazeera, negotiations will remain open while pressure on Iran is maintained.

Despite the ceasefire, the US naval blockade on Iranian ports will remain in effect. Iran has condemned the blockade, claiming it undermines the ceasefire and asserting that it will not negotiate under such conditions. The ongoing violence in the region, including recent fatalities in the occupied West Bank and Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon, further complicates the situation.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has labeled the US blockade as an “act of war,” while an adviser to Iran’s parliamentary speaker suggested that the ceasefire extension might be a tactic to allow for a potential military escalation. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has warned that oil production across the Middle East could be targeted if attacks are launched from Gulf neighbours’ territory.

In the backdrop of these developments, the US has also expanded its sanctions related to Iran’s weapons programs, and the European Union is reportedly moving to enhance its own measures. Meanwhile, the US plans to host ambassador-level negotiations between Israel and Lebanon, amid ongoing calls for a full Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory.

Tensions remain high as both Israel and Hezbollah accuse each other of violating the ceasefire agreement. The humanitarian impact of the conflict continues to escalate, with Lebanon’s Prime Minister indicating a need for $587 million to address the fallout from the ongoing violence. The situation in the Strait of Hormuz remains critical, with shipping severely limited, raising concerns over global oil supply.