Iran says war not over as US prepares extended blockade amid stalled talks

Iran continues to view the conflict with the United States as ongoing and still considers it a wartime situation, according to the Iranian army spokesman Mohammad Akraminia. 

Akraminia said in an interview on Tuesday that "We do not consider the war to be over. Since the day the ceasefire was established – which we view as merely silence on the battlefield – our lack of trust in the US and our adversaries has led us to continue updating our targets with the same seriousness as if we were still in wartime.”

On the same day, US officials told the Wall Street Journal that US President Donald Trump has instructed his administration to prepare for an extended blockade of Iran as the ceasefire amid stalled talks is continuing.

Following signals from Trump that he was dissatisfied with Iran's latest proposal of a peace deal, Iran is likely to submit a revised plan to mediators in Pakistan in the next few days, CNN reports. 

Meanwhile, US imposed new sanctions on Tuesday against 35 entities and individuals for their involvement in Iran's financial activities, according to a press statement from the US Department of State.

(With input from Xinhua)