The United States has extended its ceasefire with Iran, according to Donald Trump, who said military action would be delayed to allow more time for negotiations aimed at ending the conflict.
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The US president announced on Tuesday that the truce would be prolonged beyond its original expiry, while American forces remain prepared for potential military operations. The ceasefire had been scheduled to end on Wednesday.
In a message posted on social media, Trump said he had instructed the military to maintain the naval blockade of Iranian ports but to refrain from launching the planned attack for now.
“I have therefore directed our Military to continue the Blockade and, in all other respects, remain ready and able,” he wrote. “The Ceasefire will be extended until such time as their proposal is submitted, and discussions are concluded, one way or the other.”
US officials said the extension followed a request from mediators in Pakistan, which has been attempting to facilitate talks between Washington and Tehran.
Tehran Yet to Respond
Authorities in Iran did not immediately comment on Trump’s announcement. The semi-official Tasnim news agency reported that the government’s position would be communicated later.
The development came only hours after Trump had suggested he was reluctant to prolong the ceasefire, warning that Tehran had limited time to present a proposal.
Despite the extension, tensions remain high. Iranian leaders have criticised the US naval blockade, arguing it undermines the ceasefire and threatens diplomatic efforts.
Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, described the blockade as an act of war earlier on Tuesday.
Writing on the social media platform X, Araghchi said restricting access to Iranian ports violated the terms of the truce.
“Iran knows how to neutralize restrictions, how to defend its interests, and how to resist bullying,” he said.
Uncertainty Over Planned Talks
The blockade has also cast doubt on negotiations expected to take place in Islamabad. Diplomats had planned to hold talks on Wednesday in the Pakistani capital, but Iranian officials have signalled that their participation may be reconsidered if the maritime restrictions remain in place.
Washington has maintained that the blockade will continue while discussions are underway, describing it as a pressure tactic designed to push Tehran toward a settlement.
Trump suggested internal disagreements among Iranian leaders may be slowing progress toward a unified negotiating position.
Pressure and Diplomacy
Iranian officials have repeatedly rejected US threats and criticised the blockade, portraying it as an attempt to coerce the country during negotiations.
It remains unclear whether the extension of the ceasefire will be enough to persuade Tehran to attend the planned talks in Islamabad.
For now, the US military remains on standby while diplomatic efforts continue, with mediators hoping the additional time could produce a proposal capable of ending the confrontation.
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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 22 April 2026
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