Washington: The Trump administration has extended its ceasefire with Iran without setting a deadline, while upholding a comprehensive naval blockade to maintain economic pressure on Tehran.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt outlined a dual-track strategy, suspending military strikes but intensifying financial and maritime sanctions. “President Trump announced an extension of the cease fire… and generously offering a bit of flexibility to a regime who has been completely tarnished because of Operation Epic Fury,” she told reporters on Wednesday.
Leavitt stressed that the pause in kinetic operations does not ease pressure. “Operation Economic Fury continues, and the effective and successful naval blockade continues as well,” she said, claiming the measures are costing Iran $500 million daily by halting oil shipments and payments.
The White House rejected any fixed timeline for talks. “The President has not set a firm deadline… ultimately, the timeline will be dictated by the commander in chief,” Leavitt stated, dismissing reports of a short negotiation window.
On queries about indefinite continuation, she deferred to Trump’s judgment “in the best interest of the United States and the American people.” Leavitt highlighted Iran’s internal divisions between pragmatists and hardliners, awaiting a “unified response” amid conflicting public and private signals.
US negotiators have held direct talks, but uncertainty persists over Tehran’s decision-making authority. “The cards are in President Trump’s hands right now… Iran is in a very weak position,” she asserted, defending the administration’s firm demands and red lines.
In other news, the White House is watching potential Spirit Airlines bailout developments but provided no further details.
(Inputs from IANS)