KABUL (Pajhwok): US President Donald Trump has announced an extension of the ceasefire with Iran, saying planned military action would be delayed to give Tehran more time to submit a proposal aimed at ending the conflict.
In a statement posted on social media on Tuesday, Trump said he had directed the US military to maintain the naval blockade while remaining prepared for further action if necessary.
“I have therefore directed our Military to continue the Blockade and, in all other respects, remain ready and able, and will therefore extend the Ceasefire until such time as their proposal is submitted, and discussions are concluded, one way or the other,” he said.
The truce had been due to expire on Wednesday.
Trump said the decision was taken at the request of Pakistani mediators.
The latest move marks another policy reversal by the White House. Earlier on Tuesday, Trump had opposed extending the ceasefire and warned Iran that time was running out before the US could launch a major strike on its infrastructure.
Iran did not immediately respond to the announcement. However, the semi-official Tasnim news agency reported Tehran’s position would be officially announced later.
Iranian officials had earlier criticised the US naval blockade of the country’s ports, raising doubts about their participation in talks scheduled for Wednesday.
Following Trump’s announcement, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif thanked the US president for agreeing to prolong the ceasefire.
Sharif said Islamabad would continue efforts to help secure a negotiated settlement to the conflict.
Meanwhile, according to Tasnim News Agency, Ebrahim Zolfaqari, spokesman for Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, said the country’s armed forces were “ready to fire” and would respond to any aggression.
He warned that, in light of repeated threats by the US president and the country’s military commanders, Iran’s armed forces remained on high alert.
He said Iranian forces had long been prepared to immediately strike pre-designated targets in the event of any action against Iran.
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