WASHINGTON (FN), President Donald Trump has extended the U.S. ceasefire with Iran, citing divisions within Tehran’s leadership and diplomatic appeals from Pakistan to allow more time for negotiations.
The ceasefire, initially set to expire this week, was prolonged indefinitely after Trump said Iran’s government was “seriously fractured” and unable to present a unified proposal for peace. He added that Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and military chief Asim Munir had requested Washington to delay military action to give diplomacy a chance.
U.S. officials had planned further talks in Islamabad, but Iranian negotiators withdrew, calling discussions “a waste of time” under current conditions. Despite the extension, American forces continue to blockade Iranian ports and remain on high alert should talks collapse.
Iranian officials accused Trump of using the ceasefire extension as a ploy to buy time for a surprise strike, while condemning the ongoing blockade. The move underscores the fragile state of negotiations, with both sides trading accusations of violating terms of the truce.
The ceasefire was first agreed earlier this month to pause hostilities and explore peace talks. Analysts warn that renewed fighting could destabilize the Middle East, disrupt oil flows, and escalate tensions with Israel. For now, Trump’s decision buys time for diplomacy, though mistrust between Washington and Tehran remains high.
