Iran has dismissed the ceasefire extension proposed by US President Donald Trump and once again shut down the vital trade route of the Strait of Hormuz.
In a social media post on Tuesday, April 21, Trump stated that he has instructed the military to maintain the blockade and continue the ceasefire until Iran submits a proposal for discussions.
According to a local Iranian news source, an advisor to Iranian Parliament Speaker Ghalibaf characterized Trump’s ceasefire extension as a tactic to stall for time before a potential surprise attack, emphasizing that Iran will not be dictated to by the opposing side.
The advisor emphasized that it is now time for Iran to take proactive measures. Iranian state media confirmed that Iran did not seek an extension of the ceasefire.
Following military actions on February 28, the US and Iran have been engaged in conflict, with Iran responding by targeting key sites in the Middle East and closing the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial passage for global oil trade.
Despite a temporary ceasefire from the US perspective, a lasting resolution to the conflict remains elusive. The US has enforced a blockade on Iranian ports in the strait to pressure negotiations for reopening the passage.
Iranian state media announced that Iran will keep the Strait of Hormuz closed as long as the naval blockade persists, indicating readiness to use force to break the blockade if necessary.
The White House revealed that Vice President JD Vance and the US negotiating delegation would not be traveling to Pakistan as planned in light of the extended ceasefire announcement by the president. No updates were provided regarding potential in-person meetings scheduled for the following day.