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Open Chronicle | Global Affairs
U.S. President Donald Trump has announced an extension of the current ceasefire with Iran, alongside the continuation of a naval blockade on Iranian ports, in a move aimed at giving diplomacy more time to unfold.
The decision follows a request from Pakistan’s leadership, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Asim Munir, who urged Washington to delay any renewed military action while Tehran prepares what has been described as a “unified proposal.”
Ceasefire extended amid fragile diplomacy
Posting on his Truth Social platform, Trump said he had directed U.S. forces to maintain the blockade while remaining ready for further action if negotiations fail.
“I have therefore directed our Military to continue the blockade and remain ready and able,” Trump said, confirming that the ceasefire would remain in place until Iran submits its proposal and discussions are concluded.
The truce, originally set to expire this week, had raised concerns of renewed conflict if no diplomatic progress was achieved.
Talks delayed but still in focus
The extension comes as a U.S. delegation led by Vice President JD Vance was expected to travel to Islamabad for a second round of negotiations with Iranian officials. However, the trip has been delayed due to additional policy discussions in Washington.
The upcoming talks are intended to build on an earlier round of high-level meetings in Pakistan that ended without a breakthrough, leaving key issues unresolved, including the naval blockade and Iran’s nuclear program.
Pressure and uncertainty
Trump also suggested that divisions within Iran’s leadership may be complicating the negotiation process, describing the country’s political structure as “seriously fractured.”
The continuation of the blockade remains a central point of tension. While Washington views it as a tool to pressure Tehran into a deal, Iranian officials have repeatedly argued that such measures undermine trust and violate the spirit of the ceasefire.
A narrow window for diplomacy
Pakistan has emerged as a key intermediary in the process, attempting to bridge differences between the two sides and prevent a return to open conflict. The extension of the ceasefire provides a limited window for progress, but expectations remain cautious.
With no agreement yet in place and both sides maintaining firm positions, the coming days are likely to be critical in determining whether diplomacy can prevail or whether tensions will escalate once again.