US President Donald Trump said on Friday night (18) that he may not extend the ceasefire between the US and Iran if negotiations do not reach an agreement by next Wednesday (22), increasing the possibility of a resumption of military actions.
“I may not extend it,” Trump said aboard Air Force One, when asked whether he would extend the ceasefire or resume strikes if negotiations fail.
“Maybe I won’t extend it, then we’ll have a lockdown and, unfortunately, we’ll have to start dropping bombs again,” the president added.
The comments come after delegations from both countries are expected to arrive in Pakistan this weekend and possibly hold negotiations on Monday (20), according to Iranian sources familiar with the talks.
The United States has not confirmed whether these meetings are scheduled.
Trump expressed confidence on Friday that the parties were close to a deal.
Reopening and Hormuz
Iran’s Foreign Minister stated this Friday (17) that the passage of all commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz is fully permitted during the remainder of the ceasefire period.
“The passage of vessels through the strait will follow the coordinated route already announced by the Iranian Ports and Maritime Affairs Organization,” said Abbas Araqchi in a publication on X.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the most important shipping lanes in the world, through which almost a fifth of the world’s oil and gas passes.
The decision was taken after the announcement of the ceasefire in Lebanon, which came into effect on Thursday (16).
Trump announced the truce on Thursday (16) and said he had invited Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun to the White House for peace talks.
This would be the first time in decades that the leaders of the two countries would speak directly.
