WASHINGTON, Apr 22: US President Donald Trump has announced an indefinite extension of the ceasefire with Iran, pausing imminent military action to allow time for a unified peace proposal to emerge from Tehran’s divided leadership. The decision follows a direct appeal from Pakistan, which has stepped in as a key mediator in the escalating regional crisis.
The move came just hours before the previously declared two week truce initiated on April 8 was due to expire, averting an immediate return to hostilities after seven weeks of intense conflict. The extension also led to the postponement of a high-level US diplomatic mission to Islamabad that was expected to advance negotiations.
According to the White House, a delegation led by Vice President J. D. Vance, alongside senior envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, has delayed its visit as consultations continue in Washington. Officials indicated that further internal deliberations were necessary before engaging in the next round of talks.
In a formal statement, Trump said the United States would hold off on military strikes until Iranian authorities present a coherent and unified negotiation framework. He emphasized, however, that this restraint is conditional and temporary.
“The leadership in Iran is fractured, and we have agreed to give them time to consolidate their position,” Trump stated, noting that the request came from Pakistan’s leadership, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and military chief Asim Munir.
Despite the ceasefire extension, Trump confirmed that the US military remains on high alert. He reiterated that the ongoing blockade targeting Iranian maritime trade routes will continue as part of a broader pressure campaign designed to compel Tehran into negotiations.
The announcement marks a notable shift in tone from earlier remarks made by Trump, where he warned that failure to secure a deal could lead to renewed bombing. “The military is ready,” he had said, signaling a willingness to escalate if diplomacy stalled.
Meanwhile, Pakistan welcomed the decision, with Sharif expressing appreciation for Washington’s flexibility and reaffirming Islamabad’s commitment to facilitating dialogue. In a public statement, he voiced optimism that continued engagement would lead to a comprehensive agreement capable of ending the conflict permanently.
Diplomatic efforts over recent days have involved intense coordination among officials in Washington, Islamabad, and Tehran, with the aim of crafting a proposal acceptable to all parties. However, internal divisions within Iran’s leadership have complicated progress, prompting calls for additional time.
Parallel to these developments, the US has intensified economic measures against Iran. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced new sanctions targeting multiple individuals, entities, and transport assets allegedly involved in facilitating arms transfers for the Iranian government.
Bessent warned that Iran’s key oil storage hub at Kharg Island is nearing capacity, a situation that could disrupt production if exports remain constrained. He underscored that restricting Iran’s maritime trade is central to weakening its financial capabilities.
The blockade, imposed amid rising tensions, aims to counter Iran’s influence over the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz a narrow passage through which a significant portion of the world’s oil and gas supply flows. Disruptions in the region have already driven global energy prices sharply higher, with benchmark crude nearing $95 per barrel.
In a related operation, US forces recently intercepted a tanker suspected of transporting sanctioned Iranian oil. The vessel was boarded without incident in international waters, underscoring Washington’s commitment to enforcing its restrictions.
As diplomatic channels remain open, the extended ceasefire offers a critical window for negotiations. However, with military options still on the table and economic pressure mounting, the coming days are expected to play a decisive role in determining whether the conflict moves toward resolution or renewed escalation.