US President Donald Trump has announced an extension of the ongoing ceasefire with Iran, saying it will remain in effect until Iranian leaders present a unified proposal and current discussions are completed. The decision came after a direct request from Pakistan, marking a temporary pause in escalation while maintaining strategic pressure.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the extension followed Pakistan’s appeal to delay further military action and allow more time for diplomacy. He later explained the move in an official statement, stating that the request came from Pakistan’s leadership, including Field Marshal 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 said.
“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, one way or the other,” he added.

The development signals a temporary easing of tensions between the US and Iran. However, it also shows that pressure on Iran continues, as the blockade remains in place and US forces stay on alert. The approach combines restraint with readiness, keeping diplomatic channels open while preparing for possible escalation.

Meanwhile, US Vice President JD Vance did not travel to Islamabad as earlier planned. He stayed back in Washington, and the White House later confirmed that the visit had been cancelled. This change reflects the uncertainty around the ongoing diplomatic process.

Iran reacted strongly to the continued blockade. Abbas Araghchi posted on X just hours before Trump’s announcement, calling the blockade of Iranian ports “an act of war” and a violation of the ceasefire. He warned that targeting commercial vessels and detaining their crews would only increase tensions. He also said Iran is capable of defending its interests and resisting pressure.

At the same time, Iran appears to be stepping away from upcoming diplomatic efforts. According to reports from the Tasnim News Agency, Iran has decided not to take part in the planned talks in Pakistan. The report said this decision came after the US refused to ease what Iran described as excessive demands during recent negotiations.

“For this reason, Iran ultimately announced today that, given this situation, it considers participating in negotiations a waste of time, as the US is obstructing any suitable agreement. Therefore, Iran will not engage with the Americans,” Tasnim said in translated remarks.

The report also stated that Iran has officially informed Pakistan and other mediators about its decision. It has made it clear that it will not attend the scheduled talks. This move raises concerns about the future of diplomatic efforts and increases uncertainty around the situation.

Adding to the tension, an adviser to Iran’s chief negotiator and Parliamentary speaker Mohammad Baqer Ghalibaf criticised Trump’s decision. The adviser said the ceasefire extension is not genuine and described it as a strategy to gain time for a possible surprise attack.

“Trump’s ceasefire extension is certainly a ploy to buy time for a surprise strike. Iran must take initiative,” the adviser said. “Trump’s ceasefire extension means nothing; the losing side cannot dictate terms.”

The adviser also argued that the continued blockade is as serious as direct military action. He said it is “no different from bombardment” and should be treated as such. This statement reflects growing suspicion within Iran about US intentions and signals a hardening stance.

Despite these developments, Pakistan has welcomed the ceasefire extension. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif thanked Trump for agreeing to delay further military action and allowing diplomacy to continue. He expressed appreciation both personally and on behalf of the Pakistani military leadership.

“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 said.

Sharif also reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to promoting a negotiated solution. He said the country will continue to push for dialogue and expressed hope that both sides will respect the ceasefire. He added that efforts are ongoing to reach a comprehensive peace agreement in the next round of talks planned in Islamabad.

The situation remains delicate. While the ceasefire offers a pause in direct conflict, tensions continue due to the blockade and strong reactions from Iran. With Iran refusing to join talks and questioning US intentions, the path to a lasting resolution appears uncertain. However, diplomatic efforts are still ongoing, and the coming days will be crucial in determining whether the ceasefire leads to meaningful progress or further escalation.