The Newsmakers40
Despite earlier claims that an extension was highly unlikely, the US president has agreed to prolong the ceasefire with Iran until its leadership ‘can come up with a unified proposal’. However, Iran continues to enforce an effective blockade of the Strait of Hormuz in response to Washington’s naval blockade of its ports. Tensions in the strategically key waterway are escalating further, with at least three container ships reportedly hit by gunfire. Meanwhile, the status of the second round of US-Iran talks in Islamabad remains unclear, fuelling concerns that the conflict could become protracted.
