U.S. Extends Iran Ceasefire at Pakistan's Request but Keeps Naval Blockade in Place

U.S. military to continue the naval blockade of Iranian ports until Iran submits a unified proposal for peace.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated: '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.

Sharif wrote: '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.

With the trust and confidence reposed in, Pakistan shall continue its earnest efforts for negotiated settlement of the conflict. In a post on X, Mohammadi 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. U.S. and Iran in Islamabad during the first round of talks on April 11.

Trump's announcement came after he appeared on CNBC’s 'Squawk Box' that morning, where he stated: 'We’re going to end up with a great deal,' adding 'I think they have no choice,' and said he did not plan to extend the ceasefire. U.S. Vice President JD Vance was scheduled to leave for Islamabad on Tuesday morning to lead the second round of talks, joined by envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.

Vance's plane did not take off, and the trip was put on hold awaiting Iran's demands, according to The New York Times. A White House official confirmed the trip did not happen on Tuesday, with further delays reported as negotiations on core issues proceed. 11% earlier in the day amid initial diplomatic optimism.