Agencies | Washington:
US President Donald Trump has said there is “no time pressure” to resume negotiations with Iran, even as talks remain stalled following their breakdown on April 12.
In an interview with Fox News anchor Martha MacCallum, Trump dismissed reports suggesting a short-term extension window for the ceasefire, calling claims of a “three to five day window” “false.”
A day after announcing an indefinite extension of the ceasefire, Trump made it clear that his administration is in no rush to conclude the conflict. “There is no time frame and no urgency,” he said, rejecting speculation that domestic political considerations are influencing the timeline.
Trump also pushed back against claims that the war’s duration is linked to electoral pressures. “People say I want to get it over because of the midterms — not true,” he said, adding that the focus remains on securing “a good deal for the American people.”
However, reports indicate that the conflict, launched on February 28 by the United States and Israel, has carried political costs for the administration, drawing criticism from within his own Republican base as the situation continues without a clear resolution.
Hormuz Tensions Add to Uncertainty
Addressing recent developments in the Strait of Hormuz, Trump referred to incidents involving Iranian forces firing at and seizing vessels. He downplayed the immediate impact on Washington, stating, “They were not US ships,” while noting that the situation is under close monitoring.
The Strait of Hormuz, a vital artery for global oil shipments, remains at the centre of escalating tensions, with Iran asserting control over the passage—raising concerns over fuel prices and global energy stability.
Blockade Strategy in Focus
Trump emphasised the effectiveness of economic pressure, particularly the US naval blockade targeting Iranian trade routes. “The blockade scares them even more than the bombing,” he said.
“They’ve been bombed for years, but the blockade they hate,” he added, suggesting that sustained economic restrictions could have a deeper strategic impact on Iran’s leadership and long-term energy infrastructure.
With negotiations stalled and tensions persisting, the path forward remains uncertain, as both diplomatic and military pressures continue to shape the evolving conflict.
