Trump Extends Ceasefire with Iran but Keeps the Naval Blockade
President Donald Trump announced that he would be extending the ceasefire indefinitely in hopes of reigniting it. Iran has refused to participate in the negotiations following the breakdown of the last attempt.
Trump wrote on his social media, “Based on the fact that the Government of Iran is seriously fractured, not unexpectedly so and, upon the request of Field Marshal Asim Munir, and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, of Pakistan, we have been asked to hold our Attack on the Country of Iran until such time as their leaders and representatives can come up with a unified proposal.”
Despite his diplomatic messaging, Trump did not lift the naval blockade he recently imposed against Iran.
The post continues, “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.”
Iranian officials remain firmly against Trump’s plea
It’s a change in tone from Trump, who has been throwing out expletive-laden posts against Iran in the past weeks. Infamously, Trump threatened to “destroy” the country by going on a bridge and powerplant bombing spree. Although Trump changed his tune, Iranian officials remain unmoved.
President Masoud Pezeshkian posted not long after Trump, accusing the United States of not being trustworthy.
“The Islamic Republic of Iran has welcomed dialogue and agreement and continues to do so. Breach of commitments, blockade and threats are main obstacles to genuine negotiations. World sees your endless hypocritical rhetoric and contradiction between claims and actions,” Pezeshkhian said.
Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi had similar sentiments. The FM thought that the United States was committing an act of war by blockading Iranian ports.
Araghchi wrote on X, “Blockading Iranian ports is an act of war and thus a violation of the ceasefire. Striking a commercial vessel and taking its crew hostage is an even greater violation.
Iran knows how to neutralize restrictions, how to defend its interests, and how to resist bullying.”
Although Iranian officials are pushing back against the blockade, they were the first to block the Strait of Hormuz. The act was deemed illegal under the United Nations Conventions on Laws of the Sea (UNCLOS) because it curtails several freedoms all countries are entitled to. Moreover, Iran even set up an informal toll for ships, charging each voyage two million dollars for passage.
Regardless of who commits the blockade, the act goes against international norms. But notably, what Iran did was in retaliation against the first strikes led by the US and Israel.
Food prices next to rise next
Because of the war, fuel has skyrocketted. The economic pain has been felt by Americans and the rest of the world at the pump. But the woes won’t stop at fuel, as food prices are expected to surge next. According to Bloomberg, there was a 7.9% increase in the cost of production compared to March in the previous year.
This does not account for fertilizer and plastics yet, both industries that are also dependent on oil prices. The prices will not immediately surge, as it takes three to six months before impacts are felt directly by consumers.
At worst case, there is another way out of this war, as suggested by Trump’s former NCTC director. But until then, the Trump administration is banking its hopes on a successful negotiation with the Iranians.
(featured image: The White House)
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