Mediators moved closer today to extending the ceasefire between the United States and Iran and restarting negotiations to salvage the fragile truce before it expires next week, officials in the region said.
A senior Iranian military official threatened to halt trade in the region if the US does not lift its naval blockade.
The US blockade on Iranian ports and renewed Iranian threats have imperiled the week-old agreement, but regional officials said they were making progress, saying that the United States and Iran had an “in principle agreement” to extend it to allow for more diplomacy.
The US blockade of Iranian ports began on Monday (file image)(Image: Getty Images)
A senior US official said the United States has not formally agreed to extend the ceasefire and that “engagement” with Iran continues. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to publicly discuss the sensitive negotiations.
The commander of Iran’s joint military command warned that Iran would completely block exports and imports across the Persian Gulf region, the Sea of Oman and the Red Sea if the US military does not lift its blockade on Iranian ports.
“Iran will act with strength to defend its national sovereignty and its interests,” Ali Abdollahi said.