'Both Sides Are Testing Each Other,' Expert Says as Iran Ceasefire Gets Extended

As the ceasefire between Iran and the United States is prolonged, both parties appear to be engaged in a delicate process of assessment and positioning, according to analysis from a former senior U.S. official.

Negah Angha, who previously served as National Security Advisor under President Joe Biden, provided commentary during an interview with FRANCE 24's Mark Owen on April 22, 2026. She characterized the current standoff between Washington and Tehran as a period of mutual evaluation, noting that "right now both sides are testing each other."

Economic Leverage at Play

Angha emphasized that Iran has been strategically communicating its economic influence to the United States and its Western partners. "Iran has been articulating to the US and Western allies the impact and the control that they have on the global economy," she stated.

The ongoing tensions have had significant ramifications for international commerce, with all maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz coming to a complete halt as a result of the dispute.

Context

The extended ceasefire comes amid heightened regional tensions and follows earlier reports indicating uncertainty surrounding U.S.-Iran negotiations as the initial cessation deadline approached. The extension suggests both parties are seeking additional time for diplomatic engagement, though substantive progress remains uncertain.