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Washington, DC [US], April 23 (ANI): US President Donald Trump has issued a direct appeal to the Iranian leadership, calling for a diplomatic breakthrough to end the current standoff between Washington and Tehran.
In an interview with CNBC, the President suggested that the Islamic Republic could secure a prosperous future by committing to a new agreement. He expressed confidence that a diplomatic resolution would significantly benefit the country's regional and economic standing.
Trump remarked, "Iran can get themselves on a very good footing if they make a deal," noting the potential for a complete transformation of Tehran's current circumstances.
As the US continues to maintain a naval blockade and a conditional ceasefire, the President urged the Iranian government to approach the negotiating table with a clear and pragmatic strategy.
Highlighting the need for a change in rhetoric, Trump added, "They have to use reason and they have to use common sense, and they can get themselves into a great position to make themselves into a great country." In a notable shift of strategy, President Trump has moved away from his aggressive posture by extending the current ceasefire indefinitely.
This decision comes despite reports from Iranian media that the Revolutionary Guard targeted three vessels in the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday, successfully seizing two and escorting them to Iranian waters.
While the truce has been prolonged to allow Tehran's leadership additional time to formulate a "unified" proposal to resolve the conflict, the President maintained that the economic blockade of Iranian ports will persist.
This stance has met with stiff resistance from Tehran. Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, the Iranian parliament speaker and lead negotiator, argued that a comprehensive truce is only logical if it is not undermined by American maritime restrictions.
Qalibaf further asserted that restoring access to the strategic waterway is impossible under such a "flagrant breach of the ceasefire".
The sudden announcement from the White House was made only hours before the initial two-week truce was scheduled to lapse.
Amidst the ongoing uncertainty regarding the diplomatic timeline, the New York Post quoted President Trump suggesting that a second phase of discussions could commence as early as Friday.
According to the report, Trump stated that such a development is "possible" within a window of 36 to 72 hours.
However, the prospect of immediate negotiations remains unclear, as Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei stated that Tehran has not yet reached a final decision on participating in the upcoming round of mediated talks. (ANI)