Washington, United States – Web Desk: U.S. President Donald Trump has announced an extension of the ceasefire with Iran following a request from Pakistan’s military leadership and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, while ordering the continuation of the naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz.
In a statement posted on social media, Trump said the United States would pause military action for now and extend the ceasefire until Iran presents a formal proposal and meaningful negotiations reach a conclusion.
“The ceasefire will remain in place until negotiations are completed,” Trump said, adding that Iran’s government is currently “weak and divided.” He confirmed that U.S. forces have been instructed to remain fully prepared for any scenario, even as direct strikes are being withheld.
Despite the pause in hostilities, the U.S. president ordered that the blockade in the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz continue, signaling sustained pressure on Tehran amid ongoing tensions.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif welcomed the decision and thanked Trump for accepting Islamabad’s request to extend the ceasefire. He reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to facilitating dialogue and expressed hope that both sides would uphold the truce and move toward a lasting resolution.
Sharif also voiced optimism that a second round of talks, expected to be held in Islamabad, could lead to a comprehensive peace agreement between Washington and Tehran.
However, Iranian officials have responded with skepticism. An adviser to the speaker of Iran’s parliament described the ceasefire extension as a “tactical move,” alleging that Washington may be seeking to buy time for further military action. The adviser also equated the continued blockade with acts of aggression, dismissing the extension as lacking credibility.
Meanwhile, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that Washington would maintain its blockade of Iranian ports as part of its “maximum pressure” strategy. He warned that Iran’s oil storage capacity, particularly at Kharg Island, could reach its limit within days, potentially forcing production shutdowns at weaker oil fields.
Bessent added that the United States would continue efforts to restrict financial resources linked to Iran’s leadership, describing them as part of broader measures to increase economic pressure.
The developments highlight the fragile state of the ceasefire and underscore the challenges facing diplomatic efforts aimed at preventing further escalation in the Middle East.
