President Donald Trump received a stern warning from a journalist covering the war in Iran during a segment on CNN on Tuesday.
Barak Ravid, a journalist and Middle East expert for Axios, warned Trump during an interview on CNN's "The Arena" with Kasie Hunt that Trump had just given his leverage away in negotiations to end the war in Iran by announcing on social media that he had extended the ceasefire between the two countries.
"We have been asked to hold our Attack on the Country of Iran until such time as their leaders and representatives can come up with a unified proposal," Trump wrote on Truth Social. "I have therefore directed our Military to continue the Blockade and, in all other respects, remain ready and able, and will therefore extend the Ceasefire until such time as their proposal is submitted, and discussions are concluded, one way or the other."
Ravid warned Trump that the move could backfire as the U.S. delegation continues to negotiate an end to the conflict with officials in Pakistan.
"He thinks that the military objectives have mostly been achieved and therefore the other objectives that still need to be achieved will be better achieved through a diplomatic deal, especially when it comes to Iran's nuclear program, its enrichment program, and its enriched uranium stockpiles," Ravid said about Trump's post.
"I think this isthe reason that President Trumpjust announced that he isextending the ceasefireindefinitely," he added. "I think this meansthat he wants a deal. Theproblem is that if you announcesuch a thing, you take away a lot ofyour leverage. And whilethe blockade will stillcontinue, I'm not sure that theIranians will now feel thatthere's a credible militarythreat. Therefore, I'm not sureit will lead to concessions."