President Trump extended a temporary truce with Iran pending submission of a unified proposal, while keeping U.S. military blockade in place.
5:05 PM
President Donald Trump extended the ceasefire with Iran on Tuesday, saying the truce would remain in place until Iranian leaders submit a unified proposal and negotiations conclude.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump announced the decision to prolong the temporary ceasefire that had been set to expire Wednesday. "I will therefore extend the Ceasefire until such time as their proposal is submitted, and discussions are concluded, one way or the other," Trump said.
Trump said he made the decision at the request of Pakistan, specifically citing a request from Pakistani Army Chief Asim Munir and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The president stated that Pakistan had asked the United States to suspend its attack on Iran to allow Iranian leaders time to present a unified proposal.
The president characterized Iran's government as "seriously fractured," indicating divisions within Tehran's leadership over negotiating positions. Trump said the extension was warranted to give Iranian officials time to reach internal agreement on terms for ending the conflict with the United States and Israel.
Despite extending the ceasefire, Trump confirmed that the United States would maintain its military blockade of Iranian ports. "I've directed our Military to continue the Blockade and, in all other respects, remain ready and able," Trump stated. He said the armed forces would remain prepared and operational while diplomatic negotiations advance.
The ceasefire extension came as the White House put on hold Vice President JD Vance's expected trip to Islamabad for a second round of talks. Iranian state news outlet Tasnim reported that Tehran's negotiators had informed U.S. counterparts through a Pakistani intermediary that they would not participate in further talks at that time.
President cites October 7 attacks and nuclear concerns as reasons for conflict that began February 28.
US defence secretary renews threat to target Iran's power generation and energy infrastructure should negotiations collapse.
Israeli and Lebanese officials said Wednesday that Israel is weighing a pause in fighting against Hezbollah, though formal approval remains pending.
A 10-day truce between Israel and Hezbollah began Friday, displacing over one million Lebanese residents and complicating Netanyahu's political position domestically.
Russia's Foreign Minister said Moscow can help fill energy gaps for China amid Middle East conflict and rising oil prices.
Hezbollah said its fighters have "finger on the trigger" hours after a U.S.-mediated 10-day ceasefire with Israel took effect in Lebanon.
