US President Donald Trump has announced an indefinite extension of the ceasefire with Iran, following a request from mediator Pakistan, in a bid to allow Tehran’s divided leadership more time to present a unified plan to end the seven-week conflict
The decision was revealed just hours before the initial two-week truce declared on April 8 was due to lapse. It also led to the suspension of a planned diplomatic visit by a US delegation headed by Vice President JD Vance to Islamabad for discussions with Iranian representatives.
The delegation, which included special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, had been scheduled to travel on Tuesday, but the White House confirmed the trip would no longer take place as planned.
In a statement, Trump explained that the US agreed to delay further military action after appeals from Pakistan’s leadership, including Field Marshal Asim Munir and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, citing internal divisions within Iran’s government.
Despite extending the ceasefire, Trump stressed that the US would only hold off on military action temporarily and expects Iran’s leadership to present a unified proposal for negotiations. He added that economic pressure would remain, confirming that the blockade on Iranian ports would continue under his directive.
Reacting to the development, Iran’s Foreign Minister, Seyed Abbas Araghchi, condemned the move, describing the blockade as an act of war and a breach of the ceasefire agreement.
He warned that Iran would defend its interests, stating that the country is capable of countering restrictions and resisting external pressure.
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