Trump extends Iran ceasefire, says naval blockade still remains

Donald Trump has directed U.S. forces to extend the ongoing ceasefire with Iran while maintaining a naval blockade, as Washington awaits a unified response from Tehran’s leadership.

In a statement shared on his Truth Social platform, Trump explained that the decision was influenced by internal divisions within Iran’s government, which he described as “seriously fractured.”

He said the move follows a direct request from Shehbaz Sharif, Pakistan’s prime minister, and Asim Munir, field marshal, who urged Washington to hold off any military strike on Iran.

“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,” the US president wrote.

“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.”

The development comes amid heightened US-Iran tensions that escalated earlier this month over control of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments.

Pakistan has played a key mediating role in back-channel diplomacy between Washington and Tehran, with Sharif and Munir acting as intermediaries to prevent further escalation.

Meanwhile, no timeline has been given for when Iran must submit its unified proposal or when discussions are expected to be concluded.