US President Donald Trump declared on Tuesday that the ceasefire with Iran would be prolonged until Iranian officials deliver a cohesive plan and negotiations wrap up.
In a message on Truth Social, Trump explained that the extension came in response to Pakistan’s plea to postpone any military moves and prioritize talks.
A formal statement from Trump detailed that the choice followed a direct plea from Pakistan’s leaders, including Asim Munir and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
Trump noted that Iran’s government is deeply divided, and at the behest of Field Marshal Asim Munir and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the US has agreed to delay an assault on Iran until its representatives can offer a single proposal.
He instructed the US military to sustain the blockade while staying prepared, extending the ceasefire until a proposal is received and talks conclude.
This step indicates a brief reduction in hostilities, with continued strain on Iran via the blockade and military alertness.
US Vice President JD Vance canceled his planned trip to Islamabad on Tuesday, staying in Washington instead, as confirmed by the White House.
Earlier that day, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated on X that the blockade of Iranian ports constitutes an act of war and breaches the ceasefire.
He cautioned that attacking merchant ships and holding crews would heighten conflicts, emphasizing Iran’s ability to protect its concerns and counter coercion.
Separately, Iran’s semi-official Tasnim News Agency reported that the country has opted out of forthcoming discussions in Pakistan.
According to the agency, this stemmed from the US not withdrawing what Iran views as unreasonable demands recently.
Tasnim indicated that Iran sees involvement in talks as pointless under these conditions, as the US hinders a fair accord, and thus Iran will avoid engaging with Americans.
Iran has notified Pakistan and intermediaries of its stance and absence from the planned meetings.
An advisor to Iran’s lead negotiator and parliamentary speaker, Mohammad Baqer Ghalibaf, claimed Trump’s ceasefire extension is a tactic to gain time for an unexpected attack.
The advisor stated that the ongoing US blockade of ports equates to bombing and demands a military reply.
He described the extension as a ruse for a surprise assault, urging Iran to act first, and noted that the extension holds no value since the weaker party cannot set conditions.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed gratitude to Trump on X for approving the extension, stating it enables diplomatic initiatives to proceed.
Sharif, speaking for himself and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, appreciated Trump’s positive response to their appeal.
He affirmed Pakistan’s commitment to advocating for a peaceful resolution and hoped both parties would maintain the ceasefire and pursue a full peace agreement in the upcoming Islamabad discussions.
