President Donald Trump in the White House’s Oval Office on Saturday. Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP
US President Donald Trump stated that he regards the ceasefire with Iran as concluded “Wednesday evening Washington time,” but mentioned that it’s “highly unlikely” he would prolong it if a deal isn’t achieved.
Trump informed Bloomberg in a phone interview that it’s “very unlikely I’d extend it.” The truce was initially meant to continue for two weeks and started on the evening of April 7.
“I won’t be pressured into agreeing to a poor deal.” “We have all the time we need,” Trump stated during the interview.
When questioned about whether he anticipated the fighting would restart right away if an agreement is not achieved, Trump responded, “If there’s no deal, I would certainly expect.”
In the past, Trump has wavered on his willingness to prolong the ceasefire. During a question-and-answer session with reporters last week, he was posed the same question about extending the ceasefire five times and provided three varied responses.
Expert indicates that divisions are emerging among Persian Gulf countries regarding their approach to Iran.
Nations in the Persian Gulf are becoming more split regarding their position on Iran. While certain countries aim for a conclusion to the conflict that leaves Iran significantly weakened, others support diplomatic solutions, and some are uncertain, according to a Middle East specialist speaking with Xenix News Becky Anderson.
“The Gulf states are essentially split regarding their desired next steps,” stated Hasan Alhasan, a Middle East policy fellow at the International Institute for Strategic Studies.
United Arab Emirates: “From the war’s inception, the UAE has remained steadfast, as it has faced the brunt of most Iranian assaults.” “They want to witness the conclusion of this war and ensure Iran is completely disarmed,” he stated.
Bahrain: “Bahrain is in agreement with this stance,” he mentioned, highlighting that Bahrain recently prepared a United Nations Security Council resolution aimed at vigorously reopening the vital trade route, the Strait of Hormuz.
Qatar, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait: Conversely, nearby countries such as Qatar and Oman have advocated for diplomatic measures to resolve the conflict, whereas Saudi Arabia and Kuwait have displayed “ambivalence” in their position, as the Gulf region continues to experience economic hardships, according to Alhasan.
“Oman and Qatar have expressed a stronger urgency for an immediate de-escalation, calling for a ceasefire and resolution to this conflict,” he stated. “There’s been a fair amount of uncertainty from the Saudis and Kuwaitis, and we’re unclear about their position.”
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