Washington, DC [US], April 22 (ANI): The United Arab Emirates has expressed gratitude to US President Donald Trump for his mention of a potential currency swap, while simultaneously asserting its robust financial standing during the ongoing instability caused by the conflict with Iran.

In a formal communication, the UAE Embassy in Washington clarified that any implication that the nation requires outside economic assistance 'misreads the facts.' The embassy pointed to the country's massive wealth to support this stance, specifically noting more than USD 2 trillion held in sovereign investment assets alongside foreign currency reserves exceeding USD 300 billion.

Reinforcing this economic position, the Emirati authorities further emphasised the resilience of their financial institutions, noting that the banking sector maintains a formidable position with approximately USD 1.5 trillion in deposits.

These assertions of fiscal strength follow significant regional disruptions, as the standoff surrounding the Strait of Hormuz continues to hamper global oil transit. The regional tension has additionally pressured commercial operations in Dubai and impacted the flight schedules of major international airlines, including Emirates and Etihad.

As the financial and operational fallout spreads across the Gulf, US President Donald Trump has announced a further extension of the ceasefire involving Iran, citing a direct appeal from the Pakistani leadership to delay a planned military strike.

The decision was made public just hours before the previous deadline was due to expire. In a statement characterising the Iranian administration as 'seriously fractured,' the US President clarified that the maritime 'blockade' of Iranian ports would remain in effect until Washington receives a 'unified proposal' from the leadership in Tehran.

Writing on Truth Social, Trump explained that the pause in hostilities was granted 'upon the request of Field Marshal Asim Munir, and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, of Pakistan.' He noted that the US had '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.'

The President further confirmed that he has 'directed our Military to continue the Blockade and, in all other respects, remain ready and able,' confirming that the ceasefire would hold 'until such time as their proposal is submitted, and discussions are concluded, one way or the other.'

The announcement, however, was met with immediate hostility from Tehran. Mahdi Mohammadi, an adviser to Iran's parliament speaker, dismissed the American gesture, asserting that the 'losing side cannot dictate terms.' He argued that the extension 'means nothing' to the Iranian government and called for a military escalation against US forces.

In a post on X, Mohammadi stated that 'Trump's extension of the ceasefire means nothing' as the 'losing side cannot set the terms.' He further argued that 'continuing the siege is no different from bombing and must be responded to militarily,' warning that the extension is likely a tactic for 'buying time for a surprise strike' and stating that 'it is time for Iran to take the initiative.'

This latest development follows the collapse of earlier diplomatic efforts. A previous attempt to secure a long-term agreement failed after a gruelling '21-hour-long negotiation' between the two nations in Islamabad ended without a breakthrough. (ANI)