New Delhi: Signalling a possibility of a second round of peace talks, President Donald Trump on Tuesday extended a ceasefire with Iran to give more time for negotiations. The two-week truce extension came hours before it was set to expire. The US would, however, maintain a naval blockade of Tehran’s ports, including Strait of Hormuz.
In a social media post, Trump said that he would “extend the Ceasefire” until Iran came up with a proposal to end the conflict. However, he “directed our Military to continue the Blockade.”
“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,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social site.
The ceasefire extension also comes as the White House said Vice President JD Vance would not be going to Pakistan for what had been expected to be a second round of peace talks.
“The trip to Pakistan will not be happening today. Any further updates on in-person meetings will be announced by the White House,” a White House official said in a statement.