The White House has pushed back strongly against reports claiming that the United States is seeking an extension of the ongoing Iran ceasefire, just days before a critical deadline. During a high-profile briefing, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt made it clear, no formal request for a ceasefire extension has been made at this stage. The clarification comes amid widespread speculation and conflicting reports suggesting Washington was quietly working to prolong the fragile truce. Leavitt acknowledged that diplomatic channels remain active, with the US continuing engagement efforts behind the scenes. However, she stopped short of confirming any final decision on the future of the ceasefire, underscoring the uncertainty surrounding the situation. WATCH

The United States has taken a decisive and highly controversial step in the escalating standoff with Iran, signaling a sweeping maritime blockade across the Strait of Hormuz after high-stakes negotiations in Islamabad ended without a deal. Following over 21 hours of intense backchannel diplomacy, talks between Washington and Tehran collapsed, leaving the fragile ceasefire in serious doubt. In response, US President Donald Trump issued a sharp warning, declaring that any hostile action against American forces or commercial vessels would be met with overwhelming force. US Central Command is now preparing to enforce what officials describe as an “impartial maritime blockade,” targeting vessels engaging with Iranian ports while allowing limited transit between non-Iranian routes. The move is being seen as a direct attempt to cut off Tehran’s leverage over one of the world’s most critical oil chokepoints.