Iran Ceasefire Extension Remains in Doubt

Pakistani security sources say the June interim ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran could be extended by another 60–90 days, although a senior Iranian source has denied that the two sides agreed to an extension.

The framework agreement provided for a 60-day negotiating period that, according to the Pakistani sources, expires in mid-August. It has not yet been decided whether the ceasefire extension will be made public.

Meanwhile, an agreement between Iran and Oman on shipping through the blocked Strait of Hormuz is said to be close and could be reached before Saturday, according to the Pakistani sources.

The conflict escalated following US and Israeli attacks on Iran on 28 February, after which US President Donald Trump declared a unilateral ceasefire in April. The subsequent June agreement was intended to pave the way for peace talks, but repeated attacks by both sides in the second half of July stalled more detailed negotiations.

The Turkish news agency Anadolu had previously reported that the two sides had agreed to extend the ceasefire. However, a senior Iranian source told Reuters that Tehran had not negotiated an extension with Washington. The source said there was nothing to extend because, from Tehran’s perspective, the 60-day period never began. He accused Washington of violating the interim agreement within 48 hours and withdrawing from it days later.

(max)