The US and Iran have escalated their rhetoric as a two-week ceasefire nears its expiration, with each side accusing each other of violating its terms. Iran's parliamentary speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, criticised U.S. President Donald Trump for "imposing a siege and violating the ceasefire," and suggesting that the US is using this to justify renewed warmongering. This comes after Trump renewed his threat of bombarding Iran with military force if no deal is reached. The status of further peace talks has become increasingly opaque, with a U.,S. delegation reportedly planning to return to Pakistan for potential second round of peace talks.