What Does Trump’s Indefinite Ceasefire Extension Mean?

According to the political service of SaedNews, quoting Tasnim News Agency, Trump announced a few hours ago in a post on his social media platform that the ceasefire with Iran has been extended until the results of negotiations become clear.

Information obtained from various sources indicates that Iran had not requested any extension of the ceasefire. Trump’s announcement of extending the ceasefire, without specifying any timeframe, can have several interpretations:

The first interpretation is that Trump has been defeated in the war and has already tested and evaluated all possible scenarios during the conflict. He understands that he will not achieve any gains through war, and therefore considers the best option to be exiting the conflict. This is because even if he continues the war with a foolish decision, it will not lead to any gains.

Although war will not bring benefits for the United States, the possibility that this claim—like the extension of the ceasefire—may be a form of deception by Trump should not be ruled out. He may announce a ceasefire extension, but afterward, the same U.S. administration or its regional ally, Israel, could carry out assassinations.

Sources indicate that Iranian officials are fully aware of this possibility and are not underestimating it.

Another possibility is the United States exiting the war while Israel continues it under the pretext of ceasefire violations in Lebanon. However, the U.S. has previously been warned that it cannot unilaterally withdraw from the war while keeping Israel engaged in the conflict.

Continuing the maritime blockade is considered an act of ongoing hostility; Iran will not reopen the Strait of Hormuz as long as the blockade continues and may break it by force if necessary.

The United States is seeking to maintain a shadow of war and keep Iran’s economy and politics in a state of suspension. Washington believes the current situation is similar to the post–12-day war period. However, the current phase has a fundamental difference: Iran’s control over the Strait of Hormuz. If the United States wants to maintain the shadow of war, it must effectively consider the Strait of Hormuz completely closed.