Iran Refuses to Acknowledge Ceasefire Extension, Trump Finds His Own Reason to Prolong It

Tasnim News Agency, affiliated with the Iranian government, quoted sources reporting that Trump is seeking to extricate himself from war with Iran.

The sources revealed that Tehran did not request an extension of the temporary ceasefire set to expire on the 22nd. Iran views Trump's so-called ceasefire extension as a deception; the ongoing maritime blockade by the U.S. itself signifies that hostilities have not ended.

The report states that the U.S. might intend to withdraw unilaterally from this conflict, leaving Israel behind. Iran has clearly stated it will not recognize any ceasefire extension unilaterally declared by the U.S., and will act according to its own national interests. Mehdi Mohammadi, advisor to the Speaker of the Iranian Parliament, said this initiative holds no significance. He emphasized that the losing side has no right to issue orders or impose conditions.

Previously, Trump publicly announced an extension of the impending temporary ceasefire: "Given the severe internal divisions within the Iranian government, and at the request of Pakistan’s Army Chief General Asim Munir and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, I am suspending military operations against Iran until its leadership presents a unified plan. I have ordered the U.S. military to continue maintaining the blockade, remain at high readiness, and extend the ceasefire until Iran submits its proposal and completes consultations—regardless of the outcome."

Ironically, unwilling to grant the U.S. a way out, Trump had to find his own justification—citing internal divisions in Iran—to indefinitely prolong the ceasefire. This raises a central question: If Iran never manages to reach a unified solution, will the U.S. keep extending the ceasefire indefinitely?

Even more telling is Iran’s outright rejection of America’s unilateral ceasefire arrangement, emphasizing that as long as the blockade remains in place, the conflict continues. Tehran insists it will act based on its own interests without yielding an inch to U.S. pressure. Trump’s eagerness to exit the conflict with Iran even suggests he may be willing to abandon Israel—but is now trapped by Iran’s firm stance, unable to achieve a dignified withdrawal.

Original: toutiao.com/article/1863124740157440/

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