The Trump administration has prolonged the ceasefire with Iran while upholding a comprehensive naval blockade. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt emphasized that negotiations have no set deadline, indicating a continued economic squeeze on Tehran.
Leavitt stated that the United States is following a dual-track strategy, halting military actions while escalating financial and maritime restrictions. Despite the pause in combat operations, economic pressure through Operation Economic Fury and the naval blockade persists, causing significant economic harm to Iran.
The White House highlighted the blockade’s impact, stating that it is severely crippling Iran’s economy, resulting in daily losses of $500 million. While economic pressure intensifies, no specific timeline for negotiations has been established, with decisions left to the President’s discretion.
Leavitt mentioned internal divisions within Iran’s leadership as a significant factor influencing negotiations, pointing to conflicting signals from Tehran that complicate the process. She affirmed that US negotiators have engaged with Iranian counterparts but expressed uncertainty over the regime’s decision-making dynamics.
