Washington: U.S. President Donald Trump announced Tuesday that the United States will extend a ceasefire with Iran until Tehran submits a "unified" proposal, and bilateral discussions are "concluded, one way or the other." This decision comes amid ongoing uncertainty surrounding the prospects for peace talks between the two nations.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Trump made the announcement via a Truth Social post after receiving a request from top officials in Pakistan, which is playing a crucial mediating role in the U.S.-Iran negotiations. The ceasefire, initially set to expire on Wednesday, has now been extended. "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 stated.
He further directed the U.S. military to maintain the blockade while staying prepared for any developments, adding that the ceasefire will continue until Iran submits a proposal and discussions are concluded. Despite the uncertainty, Trump expressed optimism that Washington would secure a favorable deal.
The New York Times reported that U.S. Vice President JD Vance has postponed his planned trip to Pakistan for talks with Iran, citing Tehran's lack of response to U.S. positions. Iran has not yet formally announced its participation in the talks scheduled to take place in Islamabad.
Tensions remain high between Washington and Tehran. Iran has responded angrily to the ongoing U.S. blockade of its ports and vessels, while the United States has imposed new sanctions targeting procurement networks supporting Iran's unmanned aerial vehicle and ballistic missile programs.
In an interview with CNBC, Trump remained optimistic about the negotiations, suggesting that the U.S. holds a strong negotiating position after intensifying pressure on Iran to accept a series of demands, including a commitment not to pursue nuclear weapons. He suggested that Iran could become a "strong nation again" if a deal is reached.
The Pentagon reported that U.S. forces interdicted and boarded a vessel in the Indian Ocean, sanctioned for a transaction with Iran, following the seizure of an Iranian cargo ship attempting to evade a U.S. maritime blockade. Iran's foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, condemned the U.S. blockade as an "act of war" and a violation of the ceasefire.
The ongoing tensions come as the Trump administration seeks to end the conflict with Iran, amid concerns over the economic impact of the war ahead of the U.S. midterm elections in November. Washington and Tehran previously held an unsuccessful first round of negotiations in Islamabad in April.