International
oi-Prakash KL
US President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday that he has extended the ceasefire with Iran, citing appeals from Pakistan’s leadership and the need for Tehran to present a unified position for negotiations.
In a statement posted on Truth Social, Trump said the Iranian government appeared “seriously fractured” and required more time to formulate a coherent proposal. He added that the decision followed requests from Pakistan’s Army Chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
US President Donald Trump extended the ceasefire with Iran, accepting requests from Pakistan’s Army Chief Asim Munir and PM Shehbaz Sharif to allow Iran’s fractured government time to formulate a unified proposal.
“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,” Mr Trump wrote.
The President confirmed that while the ceasefire remains in place, US forces will continue their blockade and stay on high alert until talks are concluded. “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 truce, brokered earlier this month to allow space for diplomacy, has been fragile, with both sides expressing doubts about its sustainability.
Meanwhile, US Vice President JD Vance’s planned visit to Pakistan for a second round of talks has been postponed after Tehran failed to respond to Washington’s proposals, according to a US official quoted by The New York Times. Iran has said it has not yet decided whether to resume negotiations.
On the other hand, Pakistan has welcomed Trump’s move, positioning itself as a key mediator. Prime Minister Sharif expressed gratitude to the US President and voiced hope for a “comprehensive peace deal” between Washington and Tehran.
“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,” Mr Sharif said. He added that Pakistan would continue its efforts towards a negotiated settlement and expressed optimism that the second round of talks in Islamabad could lead to a permanent resolution.
