Trump extends Iran ceasefire after Pakistan plea, cites divided Tehran

US President Donald Trump recently announced an extension of the ceasefire with Iran, saying it would remain in place until Tehran’s leadership presents a unified proposal and diplomatic discussions are completed.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the move followed a request from Pakistan to delay further military action and allow space for negotiations.

Expanding on the decision in an official statement, Trump said he acted after a direct appeal from Pakistan’s leadership, including Field Marshal Asim Munir and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

“Based on the fact that the Government of Iran is seriously fractured, not unexpectedly so and, upon the request of Field Marshal Asim Munir, and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, of Pakistan, we have 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,” Trump said.

He added that he had instructed the US military to continue the blockade while remaining fully prepared for any escalation.

“I have therefore directed our Military to continue the blockade and, in all other respects, remain ready and able, and will therefore extend the ceasefire until such time as their proposal is submitted, and discussions are concluded, one way or the other,” Trump said.

The decision points to a temporary cooling of tensions, even as Washington keeps strategic pressure on Iran through maritime restrictions and military readiness.

US Vice President JD Vance did not leave for Islamabad as earlier scheduled on Tuesday and remained in Washington. The White House later confirmed that the visit had been cancelled.

Blockade sparks fury in Tehran

Hours before Trump’s announcement, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi wrote on X that the blockade of Iranian ports amounted to “an act of war” and violated the ceasefire framework.

He warned that targeting commercial vessels and detaining crews would only inflame the crisis, insisting Iran knew how to defend its national interests and resist external pressure.

Meanwhile, Tasnim News Agency reported that Iran had decided not to attend the next round of talks planned in Pakistan.

Citing one of its correspondents, the agency said the decision came after the US refused to retreat from what it described as “excessive demands” in recent days.

“For this reason, Iran ultimately announced today that, given this situation, it considers participating in negotiations a waste of time, as the US is obstructing any suitable agreement. Therefore, Iran will not engage with the Americans,” Tasnim said in translated remarks.

The report added that Iran had formally informed Pakistan and mediators that it would not participate in the scheduled talks.

Iran suspects military trap

An adviser to Iran’s chief negotiator and Parliamentary Speaker Mohammad Baqer Ghalibaf accused Trump of using the ceasefire extension as a tactical deception.

The adviser said the move was designed to buy time for a possible surprise strike and argued that the continuing blockade of Iranian ports was effectively no different from bombardment.

“Trump’s ceasefire extension is certainly a ploy to buy time for a surprise strike. Iran must take initiative,” the adviser said.

He added, “Trump’s ceasefire extension means nothing; the losing side cannot dictate terms.”

Pakistan welcomes pause

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in a post on X, thanked Trump for extending the ceasefire and said the decision would allow diplomatic efforts to continue.

“On my personal behalf and on behalf of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, I sincerely thank President Trump for graciously accepting our request to extend the ceasefire to allow ongoing diplomatic efforts to take their course,” Sharif said.

He added that Pakistan would continue pushing for a negotiated settlement and expressed hope that both sides would honor the ceasefire and work toward a comprehensive peace deal in the next round of talks expected in Islamabad.