Key Points
- Decision taken hours before the ceasefire expiry
- US maintains naval blockade despite pause in strikes
ISLAMABAD: The United States has extended its ceasefire with Iran hours before its expiry, with President Donald J. Trump citing a request from Pakistan’s top civilian and military leadership as a key factor behind the decision.
In a statement posted on his Truth Social platform, Trump said Washington would hold off on further military action against Iran. However, it would continue its naval blockade and maintain full operational readiness, he added.
US President said he has ordered an extension of the ceasefire with Iran following a request from Pakistan’s Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed 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 stated.
He said that the ceasefire would remain in place only until Iran’s leadership presents a “unified proposal”.
“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 their proposal is submitted, and discussions are concluded, one way or the other,” the US President posted on his Truth Social platform.
Trump’s statement came as the Pakistan-brokered ceasefire neared its deadline.
The original deadline for the ceasefire was set for April 21 8 pm ET, but Trump said on Monday that it was to continue till “Wednesday evening Washington time”.
However, Pakistan Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said on Tuesday that the ceasefire was to end at 4:50 am PST on April 22.
The developments took place as the world anticipated a second round of talks between Washington and Tehran in Islamabad to end the conflict.
However, uncertainty prevailed over the possibility of talks amid mixed signals from Tehran and reports of a delay in the departure of US Vice President JD Vance, who was expected to lead the American delegation, to Islamabad.
On Tuesday, Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei told Iranian state TV that Tehran had not yet decided whether to attend talks with the United States in Pakistan.
Pause Comes At Critical Juncture
The extension comes at a critical moment in the ongoing US-Iran confrontation, where the initial ceasefire window was set to expire within hours, raising fears of imminent escalation across the region.
Trump said the decision to delay military action was linked to internal divisions within Iran and the need to allow its leadership time to present what he described as a “unified proposal.”
“I have therefore directed our Military to continue the Blockade and, in all other respects, remain ready and able,” Trump said, indicating that the pause remains conditional and reversible.
Pakistan’s Diplomatic Intervention
The explicit reference to Pakistan in the US president’s statement places Islamabad at the centre of a sensitive diplomatic effort to prevent escalation in the Middle East.
Trump said the request to delay action came from Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff Asim Munir and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, suggesting coordinated outreach at a time of heightened tensions.
Officials and analysts say Pakistan’s longstanding ties with both Western powers and regional actors, including Iran, enable it to play a bridging role during crises.
US-Iran Conflict
The latest development comes against the backdrop of a rapidly escalating confrontation between the United States and Iran, marked by threats of military strikes and countermeasures that have raised concerns over a broader regional conflict.
Washington’s decision to maintain a naval blockade despite the ceasefire extension underscores the fragile nature of the pause, with pressure on Tehran continuing through non-kinetic means.
The Gulf region, a critical artery for global energy supplies, remains on edge as markets and governments closely monitor any shift in the standoff.
Uncertain Path Ahead
The ceasefire extension remains tied to Iran’s response, which President Trump called “the ability to produce a unified negotiating position,” leaving the timeline for de-escalation uncertain and dependent on political developments within Tehran.
With the US military remaining on standby and no clear roadmap for talks, the situation still carries the risk of renewed escalation if diplomatic efforts fail.
Stage Set for Talks in Islamabad
Pakistan has already completed foolproof security and other arrangements in its capital for the second round of the high-stakes post-ceasefire talks between the US and Iran. The talks were initially planned for the last weekend, but are now expected this midweek.
Officials privy to the developments claim that technical-level talks are already underway in follow-up to the first round, which was held between the senior-level leadership from both sides.
