The US‑Iran ceasefire has been extended, but tensions remain high as Washington keeps its naval blockade of Iranian ports in place. President Donald Trump said the extension, requested by Pakistan, gives Iran time to agree on a unified position. Tehran rejects that claim, calling the blockade a siege and warning that the extension could mask plans for renewed attack. There are winners and losers in this stalemate continuing, says Dr. Sultan Barakat, Professor at the College of Public Policy at Hamad Bin Khalifa University.