Washington: The United States has announced an indefinite extension of its ceasefire with Iran, just hours before the earlier truce was set to expire, raising cautious hopes for continued peace talks but also uncertainty about whether the move will hold.
President Donald Trump said the extension is meant to give more time for negotiations and avoid a return to fighting. The decision followed mediation efforts led by Pakistan, which has been trying to bring both sides closer to a possible agreement.
However, it remains unclear if Iran has agreed to the extension. Early signals suggest the move may be a unilateral step by the United States, with Iranian officials indicating they did not formally request more time and are still reviewing their position.
The ceasefire was initially part of a temporary effort to reduce tensions after weeks of conflict that caused heavy casualties and disrupted global markets. While the extension may ease immediate fears of escalation, the situation on the ground remains fragile.
Tensions continue despite the pause in fighting. The United States is maintaining its naval blockade around Iranian ports, a move strongly opposed by Iran, which sees it as a hostile act. This issue remains one of the main obstacles to any lasting agreement.
There are also concerns after a recent incident in the Strait of Hormuz, where a ship was reportedly attacked, adding to fears that the conflict could quickly flare up again if talks fail.
Global markets have reacted cautiously, with some signs of relief following the announcement. Still, analysts warn that without clear agreement from all sides, the ceasefire may not hold for long.
For now, the extension offers a narrow window for diplomacy, but deep mistrust and ongoing military pressure mean the path to peace remains uncertain.