Washington/Islamabad, April 22
US President Donald Trump has extended the ceasefire with Iran indefinitely following a request from Pakistan, aiming to provide time for Tehran’s leadership to present a unified proposal to end the ongoing conflict, while delaying a planned round of talks in Islamabad.
The announcement came hours before the two-week ceasefire declared on April 8 was due to end. The decision also led to the postponement of a scheduled visit by a US delegation led by Vice President JD Vance to Pakistan for discussions with Iranian representatives.
According to the White House, the delegation, which included special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, will not travel as planned. Officials said the team remained in Washington for further consultations. In a statement, Trump said the US agreed to pause military action after requests from Pakistan’s leadership, including Field Marshal Asim Munir and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. “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,” he said.
He added that the pause would continue only until Iran presents a coordinated proposal for negotiations. Trump also said the economic blockade on Iranian ports will remain in force and confirmed that he has directed the military to continue enforcing it.
Iran criticised the move, with Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi calling the blockade an act of war and a violation of the ceasefire. He said Iran would defend its interests and respond to pressure. Amid the developments, the Pentagon said US forces boarded a sanctioned oil tanker suspected of carrying Iranian crude. The operation was conducted without incident in international waters, though the exact location was not disclosed.
The extension follows several days of diplomatic engagement involving officials from Washington, Islamabad and Tehran aimed at advancing negotiations. Earlier in the day, Trump had indicated the possibility of military action if no agreement was reached, signalling a shift in tone, only to later decide to extend the ceasefire.
Pakistan welcomed the development. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif thanked Trump for accepting the request to extend the truce and expressed hope that both sides would reach a comprehensive peace agreement. He said Pakistan would continue efforts to facilitate dialogue and support a negotiated settlement. Preparations are ongoing in Islamabad for the next round of talks, with security arrangements already in place. However, there is no confirmation yet of the negotiations’ schedule. The first round of talks held earlier this month did not result in a breakthrough.
The conflict, which began on February 28 following strikes by the US and Israel on Iran, has had a significant impact on global energy markets. Tensions in the Strait of Hormuz have contributed to rising oil prices and concerns over supply disruptions. The ceasefire extension offers temporary relief from escalation, with diplomatic efforts now focused on reaching a lasting resolution.
