Daijiworld Media Network - Washington

Washington, Apr 23: The Donald Trump administration has extended its ceasefire arrangement with Iran while continuing a strict naval blockade, signaling that economic pressure on Tehran will remain firmly in place even as active military operations are paused.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt outlined the administration’s dual-track strategy, describing it as a combination of halted kinetic action and intensified financial restrictions aimed at forcing concessions from Iran.

She said the ceasefire applies only to military operations, while broader measures—referred to by the administration as “Operation Economic Fury”—remain fully active. According to her, the ongoing blockade continues to restrict Iran’s maritime activity and oil exports, significantly weakening its economy.

Leavitt claimed the sanctions and blockade are having a major financial impact, alleging that Iran is losing hundreds of millions of dollars daily due to its inability to export oil or access international payment systems. However, these figures have not been independently verified.

The White House stressed that there is no fixed timeline for negotiations. Leavitt said any decision on extending or ending the current arrangement would rest solely with the President, rejecting speculation about deadlines for diplomatic progress.

She added that internal divisions within Iran’s leadership are complicating talks, describing tensions between moderates and hardliners and suggesting that Washington is awaiting a unified position from Tehran before any breakthrough can be expected.

US officials also indicated that while direct engagement with Iranian representatives has taken place, uncertainty remains over the country’s final decision-making structure.

Defending the administration’s approach, Leavitt argued that the United States is negotiating from a position of strength, asserting that Iran is economically weakened and under sustained pressure.

She also said that the administration’s public messaging has remained consistent and has not undermined diplomatic efforts, reiterating that US demands and red lines have been clearly communicated.

The developments come amid heightened geopolitical tension over maritime security and energy flows through key global shipping routes, with the blockade continuing to affect regional trade dynamics.