(Web Desk) – U.S. President Donald Trump has announced an extension of the current ceasefire with Iran, credited to the diplomatic intervention of Pakistan’s Chief of Defence Staff, Field Marshal Asim Munir, and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. While the initial truce was set to expire within hours, Trump confirmed he would hold off on any military strikes to give Iranian leaders time to present a “unified proposal” to end the conflict.
Despite the pause in potential air strikes, the President directed the U.S. military to maintain its strict blockade of Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz. Trump noted that the Iranian government appears “seriously fractured,” which has complicated the negotiation process. In a shift of plans, the White House also confirmed that Vice President JD Vance’s scheduled trip to Islamabad for a second round of peace talks has been canceled for today, leaving the timing of future in-person meetings uncertain.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed his gratitude to President Trump on behalf of himself and Field Marshal Asim Munir, calling the extension a “gracious acceptance” of Pakistan’s request. Sharif remains hopeful that this window will allow both nations to reach a comprehensive peace deal during upcoming discussions in Islamabad. Pakistani officials have been working around the clock to facilitate these talks and prevent a return to active hostilities.
The situation remains delicate, however, as Iran has yet to confirm its participation in further rounds of dialogue. Iranian spokesmen pointed to “unacceptable actions” by the U.S., specifically the ongoing naval blockade, as a major hurdle. Tensions were further strained on Tuesday after Trump claimed U.S. forces intercepted a ship from China carrying military supplies to Iran, an act he described as a breach of an “understanding” he believed he had with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
