US President Donald Trump has extended the ongoing ceasefire with Iran while continuing a military blockade, citing a request from Pakistan’s leadership and ongoing diplomatic uncertainty.
In a statement, the president said the decision followed appeals from Pakistan's Asim Munir and Shehbaz Sharif, who urged Washington to hold off on further military action to allow time for negotiations.
“Based on the fact that the Government of Iran is seriously fractured… we have been asked to hold our attack… until their leaders can come up with a unified proposal," Trump said, adding that US forces would remain prepared while extending the ceasefire.
However, he made clear that the blockade on Iran would continue, a move seen as a key pressure tactic amid stalled diplomacy. The blockade, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz, has disrupted trade flows and remains a major sticking point in negotiations.
Talks expected in Islamabad remain uncertain, with Iran yet to fully commit. Tehran has cited “contradictory" signals from the United States, raising doubts over the prospects of meaningful engagement.
Despite the extension of the truce, Trump indicated that military action remains on the table if talks fail, saying the ceasefire would last only until Iran presents a proposal and discussions conclude “one way or the other."
Iran fires at 2 ships in HormuzHours after US President Donald Trump extended the ceasefire, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps forces opened fire on a container ship in the Strait of Hormuz on April 22, escalating tensions in a region already under strain. The firing damaged the vessel but did not cause injuries or environmental harm, according to early reports. However, it’s not clear as to which vessel belonged to which country. This comes as the US Navy continues to block the Strait of Hormuz amid stalled talks. The targeted vessel was a container ship moving through the strait, a key route for global oil and trade shipments. The incident comes at a time when expected ceasefire talks in Pakistan have failed to take place. |
