'Will consider when Hormuz is open..': Trump says Iran asked for ceasefire as West Asia war escalates

Days before Donald Trump's ultimatum to Iran ends, he said Tehran has asked America for a ceasefire. In his social media post, he also said “Iran's new regime president (is) much less radicalised and far more intelligent than his predecessors." Though he clarified that a ceasefire will only be considered when the Strait of Hormuz “ is open, free, and clear”. Until then, the US will continue “blasting”.

Amid the ongoing war, which has created a global energy crisis, Trump had announced a pause for 5 days on March 23 and then extended it for 10 days on March 27. According to this timeline, the 10th day would be April 6, but on Monday (Mar 30), the US president threatened Iran even before the ultimatum could end. As the US and Israel's joint military operation in Iran was paused as per Donald Trump's claims. In a social media post he wrote, “I have instructed the Department of War to postpone any and all military strikes against Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure for a five-day period, subject to the success of the ongoing meetings and discussions.”

He also pointed to “detailed, and constructive conversations”, while Tehran denies any such dialogue. The Foreign Ministry's spokesman, Esmaeil Baqaei, said no direct or indirect talks have taken place in the last 24 hours, and the parliament speaker, Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, reiterated.

What began as a joint military strike in Iran on February 28 has spread across the region far and beyond. Following the attack which killed Iranian supreme leader Ali Khamenei, Tehran conducted airstrikes on American bases in West Asia. Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Lebanon have also been targets of drones and missiles. The Strait of Hormuz has been blocked, and that has led to a situation even back home in India.