Washington/Tehran: US President Donald Trump declared on Tuesday that he would indefinitely prolong the ceasefire with Iran at Pakistan’s behest, pending a “unified proposal” from Tehran, as American forces uphold their naval blockade of Iranian ports.
This development coincides with the White House pausing Vice President JD Vance’s anticipated visit to Pakistan for follow-up truce negotiations, given Iran’s hesitation to proceed. Trump cautioned that the US military would sustain the port blockade regardless, agencies reported.
The statement arrived as the initial two-week truce neared its Wednesday expiration, with both sides signalling readiness to resume hostilities absent a pact.
Trump explained, “extend the Ceasefire until such time as their proposal is submitted, and discussions are concluded, one way or the other.”
A foreign ministry spokesman noted earlier on Tuesday that Iran remains undecided on joining Pakistan-hosted talks and would engage only if confident of productive outcomes.
UN Chief Welcomes Move
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres described the US ceasefire extension as creating “critical space for diplomacy and confidence-building between Iran and the United States,” according to his spokesman.
“We encourage all parties to build on this momentum, refrain from actions that could undermine the cease-fire, and engage constructively in negotiations to reach a sustainable and lasting resolution,” UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric stated late on Tuesday.
The secretary-general “fully supports” Pakistan’s facilitation of U.S.-Iran discussions and anticipates its role in fostering “conditions conducive to a comprehensive and durable resolution to the conflict,” Dujarric added.
Vance Trip Shelved; Pakistan’s Leader Expresses Gratitude
A White House statement confirmed that, following Trump’s ceasefire extension and wait for Iran’s input, Vance and the US team would skip Tuesday’s travel to Pakistan. No further details emerged on potential face-to-face meetings.
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif voiced thanks to Trump for the extension, noting it enables continued diplomacy. In an X post, Sharif conveyed appreciation “on my personal behalf and on behalf of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir” for Trump’s “gracious acceptance” of Pakistan’s plea.
Sharif urged adherence to the truce and a full peace agreement in Islamabad’s next negotiation round.
Markets Show Restraint
The Dow Jones Industrial Average shed 293 points (0.6%) after reversing a 400-point rise, and the Nasdaq dipped 0.6%. Brent crude climbed 3.1% to $98.48 per barrel, from under $95 intraday, settling after Trump’s post-market announcement—tamer than prior war-induced volatility.
Trump Cites Iranian Divisions
Trump linked the extension to “seriously fractured” Iranian leadership, a development he called unsurprising. Throughout the April 8 ceasefire, he has referenced deal-seeking Iranian officials, while admitting US strikes on leaders created hurdles.
“We’ve taken out their leaders, frankly, which does complicate things in one way, but these leaders are much more rational,” Trump remarked Tuesday on CNBC.
Tehran Slams US Actions
Iran’s UN mission urged the world body and Security Council to issue a “firm and unequivocal” condemnation of Sunday’s US seizure of an Iranian cargo ship. “This constitutes a grave breach of international law, a clear violation of the ceasefire, and an act of aggression marked by the hallmarks of piracy,” it posted on X. “Such reckless conduct directly endangers international navigation and undermines maritime safety and security.” Washington claimed the vessel dodged the Hormuz blockade.
As US travel to Islamabad was deferred amid Iran’s stance, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi posted on X that US boarding of an Iranian tanker on Tuesday amounted to war. “Striking a commercial vessel and taking its crew hostage is an even greater violation,” he wrote. “Iran knows how to neutralize restrictions, how to defend its interests, and how to resist bullying.”
Iran’s UN envoy Amir Saeid Iravani said on Tuesday his government detected “some sign” of US readiness to halt the blockade, predicting Islamabad talks upon its end. He deemed the blockade a ceasefire breach, with lifting it essential for negotiations. US has not publicly indicated any shift.
