Iran-US Ceasefire Likely to Be Extended for Another Two Weeks

As diplomatic talks intensify in the ongoing conflict between the US and Iran, the possibility of extending the current ceasefire has come to the fore.

According to sources close to the matter, the option of extending the ceasefire, which is set to end on Tuesday, for another two weeks is on the table. This move is said to aim at buying time for negotiations toward a lasting peace agreement.

Diplomatic mediators are trying to organize technical talks to address the most critical issues between the parties. These issues include the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, which is crucial for the global energy supply, and Iran’s nuclear enrichment activities. If these technical contacts are successful, it could pave the way for a new round of negotiations between high-level officials.

However, there is no definitive decision yet on extending the ceasefire. A US official stated that the Washington administration has not yet officially approved this option. The Iranian Foreign Ministry did not respond to a request for comment on the matter. Nevertheless, another source familiar with the negotiations said that neither the US nor Iran wants a renewed large-scale conflict.

U.S. President Donald Trump, in an interview with Fox Business, stated that the war, which has been ongoing for nearly seven weeks, is “very close to its end,” downplaying the likelihood of renewed fighting.

The conflict, which escalated with the US and Israeli attacks on Iran on February 28, caused significant destruction throughout the region. Iran’s retaliatory attacks had widespread repercussions in the Middle East, and the Iranian regime’s de facto closure of the Strait of Hormuz led to sharp increases in energy prices.

However, resolving the fundamental disagreements between the parties does not seem easy. Iran maintains its right to use nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, while the US administration states that these activities must cease entirely. Washington and Tel Aviv also argue that Iran’s stockpiles of highly enriched uranium must be transferred or destroyed.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Asmail Baghaei stated that his country’s right to use nuclear energy for peaceful purposes is “inalienable,” but that the enrichment level and methods are open to negotiation.

*This is not investment advice.