Tehran denies US claims of extension to Iran war ceasefire

Tehran has flatly denied White House claims of a proposed 60-day extension to a fragile ceasefire in the ongoing "Iran war," pushing back hard against US assertions that a draft memorandum, pending President Trump's approval, would also facilitate the reopening of the crucial Strait of Hormuz. This rejection injects immediate uncertainty into a meticulously brokered pause, underscoring the deep chasm between Washington and the Islamic Republic over the terms and even the narrative of de-escalation. The "Iran war," a term increasingly used to describe the heightened naval and proxy confrontations in the Persian Gulf since early 2026, has already choked global shipping lanes, driving crude oil prices to multi-year highs and forcing a delicate balancing act for OPEC+ producers. Iran Revolutionary Guard Corps has consistently maintained the Strait's security is contingent on broader regional concessions, directly challenging US demands for unfettered passage. This latest diplomatic skirmish follows weeks of quiet back-channel talks, with reports suggesting Russia and Oman played mediating roles. The denial raises urgent questions about the viability of continued de-escalation, especially as the current truce approaches its expiry. Global energy markets are bracing for renewed volatility, with analysts watching for any overt military posturing from either side or further clarity from mediators. The ball is now firmly back in Washington's court, requiring a swift and strategic response to prevent a dangerous relapse into open conflict.