By Elsie Kamsiyochi

President Donald Trump has signaled that he has no intention of extending the fragile ceasefire between the United States, Israel, and Iran, even as diplomatic efforts continue behind the scenes to prevent the region from slipping back into full-scale conflict. With the truce set to expire within hours, Trump said the United States was fully prepared to resume military action if ongoing negotiations fail to deliver a breakthrough.

Speaking as the deadline approached, Trump made it clear that he believes maintaining military pressure gives Washington a stronger position at the negotiating table. He said the U.S. armed forces were ready for immediate action and suggested that showing strength remained his preferred strategy in dealing with Tehran. His remarks have intensified fears that the brief pause in fighting could soon collapse.

The situation became even more volatile after the U.S. military intercepted and boarded a large Iranian oil tanker in international waters. The vessel, reportedly carrying nearly two million barrels of crude oil, was stopped near the Indian Ocean in one of the boldest American moves yet against Iran’s oil trade. U.S. officials described the operation as part of a broader campaign to disrupt networks accused of helping Iran evade sanctions and continue exporting oil despite international restrictions.

Iran responded sharply, warning that Washington would bear responsibility for any new escalation. Iranian officials accused the United States of undermining diplomatic efforts by taking aggressive action while talks were still being arranged. Tehran has repeatedly stated that meaningful negotiations cannot happen while its shipping routes remain under pressure and its energy exports are being targeted.

Despite the rising tension, diplomatic channels remain open. Pakistan is preparing to host another round of indirect talks, and officials from both sides are reportedly considering attending. U.S. Vice President JD Vance is expected to be part of the American delegation, while Iranian leaders are said to be reviewing whether their participation would still be worthwhile under current conditions.

At the center of the dispute remains Iran’s nuclear program. Washington wants Tehran to significantly reduce its enriched uranium stockpile and accept tighter international monitoring to ensure the country cannot develop a nuclear weapon. Iran insists its nuclear activities are peaceful and says it will not surrender what it considers a sovereign right to nuclear enrichment.

Global markets reacted cautiously to the latest developments. Oil prices, which had surged in recent days amid fears of wider conflict, eased slightly on hopes that negotiations might still continue. Stock markets in Asia and Europe also showed modest gains as investors tried to assess whether diplomacy could still prevent another military confrontation.

Meanwhile, the closure of key shipping routes around the Strait of Hormuz continues to disrupt global energy flows, raising concerns about supply shortages and renewed inflation pressures worldwide. Analysts warn that any return to fighting could trigger another sharp spike in oil prices and deepen economic uncertainty far beyond the Middle East.

With the ceasefire now entering its final hours, the world is watching to see whether diplomacy can survive long enough to prevent another dangerous chapter in an already volatile conflict.

Source Reuters