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Trump extends Iran ceasefire but keeps naval blockade, Pakistan urges diplomacy as planned Islamabad talks remain uncertain, tensions rise after US seizes Iranian cargo ship.
US President Donald Trump. (Image: Brendan SMIALOWSKI/AFP)
US President Donald Trump has said he will extend the ongoing ceasefire with Iran while continuing a military blockade, citing a request from Pakistan’s leadership and ongoing diplomatic uncertainty.
In a statement, Trump said the decision followed appeals from Asim Munir and Shehbaz Sharif, who urged Washington to hold off on further military action to allow time for negotiations.
“Based on the fact that the Government of Iran is seriously fractured… we have been asked to hold our attack… until their leaders can come up with a unified proposal,” Trump said, adding that US forces would remain prepared while extending the ceasefire.
However, he made clear that the blockade on Iran would continue, a move seen as a key pressure tactic amid stalled diplomacy. The blockade, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz, has disrupted trade flows and remains a major sticking point in negotiations.
Talks expected in Islamabad remain uncertain, with Iran yet to fully commit. Tehran has cited “contradictory” signals from the United States, raising doubts over the prospects of meaningful engagement.
Tensions have also escalated after Washington reportedly seized an Iranian cargo vessel accused of breaching the blockade, prompting threats of retaliation from Tehran.
Despite the extension of the truce, Trump indicated that military action remains on the table if talks fail, saying the ceasefire would last only until Iran presents a proposal and discussions conclude “one way or the other.”
The developments underscore the fragile nature of the ceasefire, with both sides continuing to exchange warnings even as diplomatic channels remain open.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday thanked US President Donald Trump for agreeing to extend the ceasefire in the ongoing US-Israel conflict with Iran, saying the move would allow diplomacy more time.
In a post on X, Sharif expressed hope that both sides would continue to respect the truce and move towards a lasting resolution. “I sincerely hope that both sides will continue to observe the ceasefire and be able to conclude a comprehensive ‘Peace Deal’ during the second round of talks scheduled at Islamabad,” he said.
On my personal behalf and on behalf of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, I sincerely thank President Trump for graciously accepting our request to extend the ceasefire to allow ongoing diplomatic efforts to take their course.With the trust and confidence reposed in, Pakistan…
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) April 21, 2026
Trump had earlier announced that the ceasefire would be extended to give negotiations more time, stating that it would remain in place until Iran submits a proposal and talks are concluded.
Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)
April 22, 2026, 02:15 IST
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