US and Iran Trade Threats as Ceasefire Nears Expiration

Tehran. As the ceasefire between the US and Iran nears its end, both sides have issued warnings of their readiness for war. While diplomatic efforts appear to be refocusing on Pakistan, the situation has become more complex as Tehran has yet to clarify its participation in potential talks.

According to the White House, Vice President JD Vance is preparing to return to Islamabad to advance the second phase of negotiations. However, Iran has expressed serious dissatisfaction with US actions and remains silent on whether it will participate. Tehran has accused the US of violating the ceasefire by imposing blockades on its ports and seizing a vessel.

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf accused the US of using negotiations as a tool for pressure, stating that talks are unacceptable in an environment of threats. According to him, Iran is preparing to unveil new strategies on the battlefield in the coming two weeks. Meanwhile, Iran's Revolutionary Guards have warned that they will target ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz without permission.

US President Donald Trump has accused Iran of violating the ceasefire by obstructing ships in the strait. He stated that since the war initiated by the US and Israel on February 28, Iran has blocked a route through which about one-fifth of the world's oil is transported. Via social media, Trump claimed that the blockade is weakening Iran and signaled that pressure will continue until an agreement is reached.

As the ceasefire deadline approaches, Trump stated that Iran must be prepared to participate in talks. He warned that if the ceasefire ends, large-scale attacks could begin, though he noted that the possibility of an extension is slim.

Amid the risk of war, oil prices in the international market have been on a downward trend. Analysts suggest the market is influenced by hopes that an agreement between the US and Iran will lead to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. While some normalcy has returned to Tehran following the ceasefire, uncertainty and economic pressure remain for the public. Local residents have reported that the situation is not easy and the economy remains very weak.

Meanwhile, a separate ceasefire has been declared between Israel and Lebanon, involving Hezbollah. Preparations are underway for further talks between the two sides in Washington. However, sporadic violence continues in southern Lebanon, and Israel has warned civilians not to return to certain areas.

The UN Security Council has condemned the killing of a French peacekeeper in Lebanon, an incident for which Hezbollah has been blamed. Government data shows that thousands have lost their lives in Lebanon due to the Israel-Hezbollah conflict.

Another critical issue in US-Iran talks is Iran's enriched uranium stockpile. Trump claimed that Iran had agreed to transfer the stockpile, but Iran rejected the claim, clarifying that no uranium would be transferred anywhere. A spokesperson for the Iranian Foreign Ministry stated that such a topic was never raised as an option in the negotiations.