Iran questioned the motives behind U.S. President Donald Trump's announcement of a ceasefire extension and warned that it could respond militarily if the United States continues its naval blockade against the country.
Iran's state broadcaster reported on Sunday, shortly after Trump's announcement of the ceasefire extension, that Iran would not recognize the U.S. ceasefire extension and would act in accordance with its national interests.
Iran's semi-official Tasnim news agency characterized the continued U.S. naval blockade as a "hostile act." Tasnim reported that as long as the blockade continues, Iran would not open the Strait of Hormuz at a minimum, and would lift the blockade by force if necessary.
An aide to Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf said on X, formerly Twitter, on Saturday that "Trump's ceasefire extension is clearly a stalling tactic for a surprise attack," urging Iran to counter the U.S. naval blockade with a "military response." Qalibaf is expected to lead the Iranian delegation if a second round of negotiations between the United States and Iran takes place.
Earlier, Trump said in a statement posted on Truth Social on Saturday that he had been asked to hold off on attacks until Iran could prepare a unified negotiating proposal, and that he would maintain the ceasefire.
"The foreign minister is a fool!" Is Iran now also divided internally?