Trump credits Pak's Asim Munir, cites fractured Iran as he extends ceasefire

US President Donald Trump extended the Iran ceasefire after a request from Pakistan, citing appeals by Asim Munir and Shehbaz Sharif, while maintaining the Hormuz blockade and military readiness until a unified proposal is submitted.

In Short

• Trump says military blockade of Hormuz Strait will continue
• Extends ceasefire with Iran until unified proposal is presented
• Decision follows Pakistan's request to delay military action

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday announced an extension of the ceasefire with Iran, saying it would remain in place until Iranian leaders present a unified proposal and ongoing discussions are concluded.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the decision followed a request from Pakistan to delay further military action and allow time for diplomacy.

Elaborating in an official statement, Trump said the decision was made after a direct appeal from Pakistan’s leadership, including Asim Munir and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

“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,” Trump said.

“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,” he added.

The move signals a temporary easing of tensions while maintaining pressure on Iran through an ongoing blockade and military readiness.

US Vice President JD Vance did not depart for Islamabad as scheduled on Tuesday and remained in Washington, with the White House later confirming to reporters that he will no longer make the trip.

BLOCKADE AN ACT OF WAR

Just hours before Trump’s announcement, Abbas Araghchi posted on X, calling the blockade of Iranian ports “an act of war” and a violation of the ceasefire.

He further warned that targeting commercial vessels and detaining crews would escalate tensions, asserting that Iran knows how to defend its interests and resist pressure.

Meanwhile, the semi-official Tasnim News Agency reports that Iran has decided not to attend the upcoming talks in Pakistan.

Citing one of its correspondents, the agency said the decision followed the US refusal to step back from what it described as “excessive demands” in recent days.

“For this reason, Iran ultimately announced today that, given this situation, it considers participating in negotiations a waste of time, as the US is obstructing any suitable agreement. Therefore, Iran will not engage with the Americans,” Tasnim said in translated remarks.

The report added that Iran has formally communicated its position to Pakistan and informed mediators that it will not be present for the scheduled talks.

IRAN SNIFFS CONSPIRACY

An adviser to Iran's chief negotiator and Parliamentary speaker, Mohammad Baqer Ghalibaf, said on Tuesday that US President Donald Trump’s decision to extend the ceasefire is a “ploy to buy time” for a potential surprise strike.

In a statement, the adviser warned that the continued US blockade of Iranian ports is “no different from bombardment” and should be met with a military response.

“Trump’s ceasefire extension is certainly a ploy to buy time for a surprise strike. Iran must take initiative,” the adviser said, adding, “Trump’s ceasefire extension means nothing; the losing side cannot dictate terms.”

PAKISTAN PM THANKS TRUMP

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in a post on X, thanked US President Donald Trump for extending the ceasefire, saying the decision would allow ongoing diplomatic efforts to continue.

“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 said.

Sharif added that Pakistan would continue to push for a negotiated settlement and expressed hope that both sides would uphold the ceasefire and work toward a comprehensive “peace deal” in the next round of talks scheduled in Islamabad.

- Ends