As another round of possible talks between the United States and Iran approaches, former Central Command chief David H Petraeus has said there is a strong possibility that the current ceasefire could be extended.
The truce, which is due to expire on Wednesday, was initially set for two weeks. Petraeus said there is a “reasonable expectation" that both sides may agree to prolong it as they prepare for further negotiations.
“I think both the US and Iran want to extend the ceasefire," he said in an interview, as quoted by PTI.
Reports indicate that JD Vance is likely to travel to Islamabad on Tuesday for another round of discussions aimed at ending the seven-week conflict. There are also claims that Donald Trump could take part in the talks, either in person or virtually.
However, uncertainty remains over Iran’s participation. Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei said on Monday that no final decision has been taken on whether Tehran will attend the next round of negotiations.
Petraeus warned that despite diplomatic efforts, the situation in the region remains volatile. Both the US and Iran are enforcing rival blockades in the Strait of Hormuz, effectively stopping maritime traffic.
He said there have been occasional incidents involving the use of force, including attacks believed to have originated from Iran. These actions have reportedly forced some ships to turn back while trying to pass through the strait.
According to Petraeus, the US military campaign has broader goals beyond immediate conflict. One key aim is to weaken Iran’s control over the Strait of Hormuz and ensure that international shipping can move freely through the waterway.
He outlined two main negotiating objectives for Washington. The first is restoring full freedom of navigation in the Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz, without any control, tariffs or tolls imposed by Iran.
The second objective is to ensure that Iran gives up its ability to enrich uranium. He said the US wants Iran to allow international monitoring bodies to verify the removal of its stockpile of highly enriched uranium, estimated at nearly 1,000 pounds of 60 per cent enrichment.
Iran, however, has so far refused to halt its uranium enrichment activities.
On the military front, Petraeus described the joint campaign by the United States and Israel as “impressive" in weakening Iran’s air defences, missile systems and infrastructure.
Despite these gains, he said the overall outcome of the war remains incomplete. He warned that if the Strait of Hormuz is not reopened for free navigation, Iran could end up stronger in strategic terms, even if it has been weakened militarily.
Looking ahead, Petraeus said several options are still on the table. These include further air operations or even the deployment of ground forces if required. However, he added that a large-scale effort to remove Iran’s leadership is unlikely.
He also noted that the United States had prior knowledge of Israel’s plans to strike Iran, driven by concerns over Tehran’s missile capabilities.
The current conflict began when the US and Israel launched strikes on Iran on February 28, killing Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and several senior commanders. Iran’s retaliation then expanded the war across the Gulf region.
In the previous round of talks held on April 11 and 12 in Islamabad, both sides failed to reach an agreement. As the ceasefire deadline approaches once again, attention is now on whether negotiations can make progress this time.
Source: News18