US President Donald Trump has said he will extend the ceasefire with Iran indefinitely to allow further peace negotiations, though it remains unclear whether Iran or its ally Israel will agree to the move.
In a statement posted on social media, Trump said Washington had agreed to a request from Pakistani mediators to pause military action against Iran while leaders work on a “unified proposal” and continue discussions aimed at reaching a resolution.
He added that Pakistan had been hosting peace talks in Islamabad in an effort to end the conflict, which has reportedly killed thousands and disrupted global markets.
However, even as he announced the extension, Trump also confirmed that the United States would continue its naval blockade of Iran’s maritime trade routes, a move Tehran considers an act of war.
There has been no official response from senior Iranian leadership so far, although initial reactions suggest skepticism over Trump’s announcement. Iran-linked media, including Tasnim News Agency, said Tehran did not request a ceasefire extension and accused the US of using pressure tactics.
An adviser to Iran’s parliamentary speaker also dismissed the statement, suggesting it may be a political manoeuvre rather than a genuine diplomatic breakthrough.
Despite the ceasefire extension, tensions remain high. The Strait of Hormuz, a crucial global oil shipping route, has been heavily affected, with reports of increased military activity and disrupted trade flows.
Trump further claimed Iran’s leadership was “seriously fractured” due to wartime developments, including reported targeted killings of senior figures during the conflict.
However, his position has appeared inconsistent. In recent weeks, he has alternated between aggressive rhetoric, including threats of escalation, and calls for diplomatic resolution.
The war, which began in late February involving US and Israeli air operations against Iran, has since expanded to include wider regional involvement, including Lebanon and Gulf states hosting US bases.
More than 5,000 deaths have been reported across the region, with hundreds of thousands displaced, while global oil markets have been shaken by instability in key shipping routes.
Peace talks held in Islamabad have so far failed to produce any agreement, with major disagreements remaining over Iran’s nuclear programme and uranium enrichment activities.
Trump has insisted that Iran’s uranium stockpiles must be removed to prevent potential weaponisation, while Tehran maintains its nuclear programme is strictly for civilian energy purposes under international agreements.
The situation remains fluid, with uncertainty over whether renewed negotiations will succeed or further escalate regional tensions.
