US President Donald Trump on Wednesday announced an extension of the ceasefire against Iran, citing a request from Pakistan. Trump’s announcement of delaying a planned attack on Iran came hours before the earlier ceasefire deadline was to end.In his statement, Trump attacked the Iranian government, calling it “seriously fractured”, adding that the US blockade at Iranian ports will continue until the US receives a “unified proposal” from Tehran.In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote, “Based on the fact that the Government of Iran is seriously fractured, not unexpectedly so and, upon the request of Field Marshal Asim Munir, and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, of Pakistan, we have been asked to hold our Attack on the Country of Iran until such time as their leaders and representatives can come up with a unified proposal. I have therefore directed our Military to continue the Blockade and, in all other respects, remain ready and able, and will therefore extend the Ceasefire until such time as their proposal is submitted, and discussions are concluded, one way or the other.“
Iran rejects peace move
The announcement drew a sharp response from Iran, as Mahdi Mohammadi, adviser to Iran’s parliament speaker, dismissed the move.He remarked that “losing side cannot dictate terms”, as he added that Trump’s extension “means nothing” to Iran. He also called for Iran to initiate military actions against the US.In a post on X, he said, “Trump’s extension of the ceasefire means nothing. The losing side cannot set the terms. Continuing the siege is no different from bombing and must be responded to militarily. Meanwhile, Trump’s extension of the ceasefire certainly means buying time for a surprise strike. It is time for Iran to take the initiative.”
Pakistan welcomes ceasefire announcement
Pakistan welcomed the move by Trump, positioning itself as a key diplomatic intermediary. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif thanked Trump for his decision as he further added his hopes for a “comprehensive peace deal” between the US and Iran.“On my personal behalf and on behalf of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, I sincerely thank President Trump for graciously accepting our request to extend the ceasefire to allow ongoing diplomatic efforts to take their course,” he wrote, “With the trust and confidence reposed in, Pakistan shall continue its earnest efforts for negotiated settlement of the conflict. I sincerely hope that both sides will continue to observe the ceasefire and be able to conclude a comprehensive ‘Peace Deal’ during the second round of talks scheduled at Islamabad for a permanent end to the conflict.“Trump’s latest extension comes after an earlier extension of the ceasefire deadline, which was aimed at creating a diplomatic agreement collapsed after a 21-hour-long negotiation between the two parties in Islamabad.