President Donald Trump said Tuesday he is extending the ceasefire with Iran while maintaining a U.S. military blockade, citing divisions within Iran’s leadership and a request from Pakistani officials to allow more time for negotiations.
In a statement, Trump said he had agreed to delay a planned attack on Iran after appeals from Pakistan’s army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, to give Iranian leaders time to present a unified proposal.
“I have therefore directed our Military to continue the blockade and, in all other respects, remain ready and able,” Trump said, adding the ceasefire would remain in place until Iran submits a proposal and discussions conclude.
The announcement comes after Iran informed the United States it would not attend planned talks in Pakistan, according to Iranian state-linked media, casting doubt on immediate diplomatic progress.
U.S. Vice President JD Vance also canceled a planned trip to Pakistan for the talks, while senior officials, including special envoy Steve Witkoff and presidential adviser Jared Kushner, were called back to the White House. U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee was also summoned for consultations.
Iranian officials issued sharp warnings ahead of the ceasefire deadline, with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi calling the U.S. blockade of Iranian ports an “act of war.”
A senior Revolutionary Guard commander also warned Gulf Arab states against facilitating attacks on Iran, saying they would have to “say goodbye to oil production” if they did.
At the same time, the United States imposed new sanctions targeting 14 individuals and companies accused of helping Iran procure weapons, including entities in Iran, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates, as well as aircraft used to transport components.
The developments underscore ongoing tensions despite the ceasefire extension, with uncertainty over whether negotiations will resume.
First published: 21:43, 04.21.26