Iran: "Ceasefire Extension Is Unilateral... Gulf States Supporting U.S. Will Have to Say Goodbye to Oil Production"

Report by Iran's State-Run Press TV

IRGC General: "Ready to Respond to Enemy Attacks"

Iran has labeled the extension of the ceasefire announced by U.S. President Donald Trump as “unilateral” and has declared the U.S. maritime blockade against Iran to be “illegal.”

Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Speaker of the Iranian Parliament, speaking at a press conference in Lebanon in October 2024. Photo by AP News

Iran’s state-run broadcaster Press TV reported on the 21st (local time), immediately following President Trump’s announcement of the ceasefire extension, that “the two-week ceasefire was set to end on Tuesday night amid a deadlock, but President Trump announced a unilateral extension.”

The report added, “Although Iran has yet to make an official response to Trump’s announcement, it has repeatedly warned that the illegal maritime blockade must be lifted by the United States without delay,” and further asserted, “the United States has consistently violated the ceasefire.”

On the same day, Press TV also relayed remarks from Major General Majid Mousavi, commander of the IRGC Aerospace Force. He stated, “If the enemies cross the line and launch any attack on this land after the ceasefire, then this time, wherever you instruct will become our target,” expressing confidence that the nation is prepared to defend itself from any potential attack.

He also cautioned neighboring Gulf states, saying, “Our southern neighbors must keep in mind that if their territory and resources are used by the United States to attack the Iranian people, they should bid farewell to oil production in the West Asia region.”

Tasnim News Agency, Iran’s semi-official outlet, also reported that maintaining the U.S. maritime blockade constitutes a hostile act, and that as long as the blockade continues, Iran will not open the Strait of Hormuz and will remove the blockade by force if necessary.

An aide to Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Speaker of the Iranian Parliament, also stated on X (formerly Twitter) that “Trump’s extension of the ceasefire is clearly a ploy to buy time for a surprise attack,” and called for Iran to respond to the U.S. maritime blockade with a “military response.”

U.S. political news outlet Axios previously pointed out that Speaker Ghalibaf is expected to lead the Iranian delegation if a second round of negotiations between the U.S. and Iran is realized. Ghalibaf also led the Iranian delegation in the first round of negotiations held in Pakistan.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.