President Donald Trump announced Tuesday that he is extending the U.S. ceasefire with Iran, while maintaining a naval blockade and imposing new sanctions to financially pressure Tehran. In a post on Truth Social, Trump claimed that Iran is losing $500 million a day due to the blockade and is "collapsing financially."
The ceasefire was set to expire on Wednesday, but Trump decided to prolong it, citing that the Iranian government is "seriously fractured." He stated that the pause will continue until Iran's leaders submit a "unified proposal" to end the war with the United States and Israel. Trump also revealed that he acted after a request from Pakistani officials Asim Munir and Shehbaz Sharif.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Treasury Department announced new sanctions targeting 14 individuals and entities accused of helping Iran acquire weapon components. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent emphasized that the Iranian regime must be held accountable for its actions, including attacks on global energy markets and civilians.
Trump further criticized a Wall Street Journal editorial that suggested Iran was taking advantage of him, calling the author an "IDIOT" and a "MORON." He reiterated claims that Iran's military capabilities are severely degraded, including its navy, air force, and nuclear facilities, which he said were destroyed by B-2 bombers.
Iranian state media responded negatively, with an adviser to parliament speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf calling the ceasefire extension "a ploy to buy time" for a surprise strike. Iran's negotiators reportedly informed U.S. officials through an intermediary in Pakistan that they would not return for further talks, deeming negotiations a "waste of time."
