Iranian official: Trump's extension of the truce is a "time-buying maneuver" to launch a surprise attack

An advisor to Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, Iran's chief negotiator, said on Tuesday that the extension of the ceasefire announced by US President Donald Trump was a "time-buying maneuver" in order to launch a surprise attack.

 

Qalibaf's advisor stated in a post on the X platform that the continued US blockade of Iranian ports "is no different from bombing and must be met with a military response."

Trump announced an extension of the ceasefire with Tehran to allow more time for negotiations, but added that he would maintain the US embargo on Iranian ports.

Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform that he would extend the ceasefire until Iran presented a proposal to end the war, noting that he had issued “directives to the military to continue the blockade” imposed by the United States on Iranian ports.

Pakistan has urged the United States and Iran to extend their two-week ceasefire, according to the Pakistani Foreign Ministry.

The statement said that Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar stressed during a meeting with the US Chargé d'Affaires in Pakistan, Natalie A. Baker, the need for communication between the United States and Iran, adding that Pakistan urged both sides to discuss extending the ceasefire.

Trump extended the ceasefire hours before it was due to expire.