Middle East tension eases: Trump extends Iran ceasefire

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said he had decided to delay further military action following a direct appeal from Pakistan’s leadership, including Army Chief 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 wrote.

He added that the US military has been instructed to maintain the blockade while remaining 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,” he said.

Meanwhile, US Vice President JD Vance did not travel to Islamabad for the second round of talks between Washington and Tehran.

Reacting to the development, Sharif thanked Trump for the decision. In a post on X, he said: “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.”

He added that Pakistan would continue to play its role in facilitating a negotiated settlement and expressed hope that both sides would uphold the ceasefire and work toward a comprehensive peace deal during the next round of talks scheduled in Islamabad.

Earlier, Seyed Abbas Araghchi strongly criticised the ongoing blockade, calling it an “act of war.”

“Blockading Iranian ports is an act of war and thus a violation of the ceasefire,” he said, adding that targeting a commercial vessel and detaining its crew would constitute a more serious breach.

“Iran knows how to neutralize restrictions, defend its interests, and resist bullying,” Araghchi asserted.