Donald Trump has once again proven that his actions can differ sharply from his statements. Until the very last moment, he had maintained that there was no plan to extend the ceasefire agreement with Iran. However, responding to a request from Pakistan, he announced that the ceasefire would indeed be extended. At the same time, the United States made it clear that its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz would continue. This move appears to be part of a strategy to increase pressure on Iran and force it to fall in line with US demands. Iran, however, is responding just as firmly. It has stated that further talks will only be possible if the United States stops obstructing Iranian vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. As a result, the strait has now turned into a major geopolitical flashpoint. In response to US actions, Iran has reportedly begun attacking ships in the region, with some vessels said to have been seized.
These operations are believed to have been carried out by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Originally, talks between US and Iranian delegations were scheduled to take place in Islamabad. However, with Iran showing little interest in negotiations, the United States was also forced to step back. In fact, US Vice President JD Vance had planned to travel to Islamabad for the talks but eventually postponed his visit. Meanwhile, Trump’s decision to extend the ceasefire has also reduced the immediate urgency for negotiations, according to some observers. However, how far Donald Trump’s efforts to bring Iran to the negotiating table will succeed remains to be seen in the coming days.