US President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday that he would indefinitely extend the ceasefire with Iran.
The decision was made just hours before the truce was scheduled to expire, intended to provide space for both nations to continue peace talks aimed at ending a conflict that has claimed thousands of lives and destabilised the global economy.
Backing down from earlier threats of renewed violence, Trump stated that he had agreed to a request from Pakistan, which has been mediating the peace process during the seven week war.
He noted that the US would hold its attacks until Iranian leaders and representatives can present a unified proposal.
The announcement appeared to be unilateral, and it remains uncertain whether Iran or US ally Israel will formally agree to the extension of the truce, which began two weeks ago.
Despite the halt in active combat, Trump confirmed that the US Navy will continue its blockade of Iranian ports and shores, a move that Iranian leadership has previously labeled an act of war.
Tensions remain over naval blockade
There was no immediate official comment from the highest levels of Iranian leadership. However, the Tasnim News Agency, which is affiliated with the Revolutionary Guards, claimed that Iran had not requested an extension and reiterated threats to forcibly break the US blockade.
An adviser to the speaker of the Iranian parliament, Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, dismissed the significance of the US announcement.
Mahdi Mohammadi suggested that the extension might be a tactical move to prepare for a surprise strike and described the ongoing blockade as a form of military aggression.
Trump clarified that the ceasefire would remain in place until Iran’s proposal is submitted and discussions are concluded.
This move marks the latest instance of the president stepping back from previous threats to target Iranian power plants, which had drawn condemnation from United Nations Secretary General António Guterres and other international bodies.
Mediation efforts in Islamabad
The conflict, launched on February 28, has seen significant leadership changes within Iran following targeted assassinations.
Trump cited the current fractured state of the Iranian government as a reason for extending the truce, following the succession of the late Supreme Leader.
The US blockade has become a primary obstacle as both sides hesitated over sending negotiators to a second round of peace talks in Islamabad.
Prior to the extension, Trump had indicated to the media that he was not inclined to continue the truce, suggesting the US military was ready to resume operations.
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed his gratitude to Trump for accepting the request to extend the ceasefire.
Sharif stated that he hoped both sides would observe the truce and reach a comprehensive peace deal during the upcoming negotiations in the Pakistani capital, though a definitive date for the second round of talks has yet to be confirmed.
