US President Donald Trump said the temporary truce with Iran could end without a deal by Wednesday, warning that the United States could resume military action.
Donald Trump PHOTO: Getty Images
On board Air Force One, the American leader suggested that he is not willing to extend the current agreement, given that the negotiations do not produce concrete results.
“I may not extend it, but the blockade will remain in place. So you have a blockade, and unfortunately we'll have to start dropping bombs again.”said Trump, according to theguardian.
A two-week truce between the US and Iran is set to expire on Wednesday, as the two sides held indirect talks to reach a long-term solution.
Although the White House recently said it was “optimistic” about the chances of an agreement, the negotiations in Islamabad did not lead to a concrete result.
Iran issued a new warning
Meanwhile, tensions in the region continue to rise. Iran has issued a new warning regarding the possible closure of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the most important sea routes for global oil and gas transport.
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said maintaining the US naval blockade could have direct consequences for traffic in the area.
“If this situation continues, the Strait of Hormuz will not remain open“, the Iranian official sent, suggesting that the transit could be restricted and controlled by the authorities in Tehran, writes theguardian.
According to US Central Command (CENTCOM), no less than 21 ships have been turned away since the blockade of Iranian ports was imposed on April 13. The move is part of Washington's strategy to limit trade flows to Iran.
US extends waiver allowing countries to buy Russian oil
In parallel, the US administration decided to temporarily extend a waiver that allows the purchase of Russian oil transported by sea, in an attempt to stabilize conflict-affected energy markets.
The US Treasury Department announced that this waiver will be valid until May 16, extending a previous 30-day measure that expired on April 11.
The decision comes shortly after US officials suggested they would no longer pursue the facility.
