ISLAMABAD: US President Donald Trump on Wednesday extended a ceasefire with Iran at the request of Pakistan’s leadership to allow time for renewed diplomacy, even as Washington maintained military pressure and uncertainty persisted over planned talks in Islamabad.
Trump said he had ordered US forces to hold off on further strikes after being approached by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir, while directing the military to remain on standby and continue a blockade of Iranian targets.
“Based on the fact that the Government of Iran is seriously fractured… and upon the request of 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 that their leaders and representatives can come up with a unified proposal,” Trump said in a statement.
“I have therefore directed our military to continue the blockade and… remain ready and able, and will therefore extend the ceasefire until such time as their proposal is submitted,” he added.
The decision comes as a fragile truce announced on April 8, following more than a month of conflict triggered by US and Israeli strikes on Iran, had been due to expire, raising fears of renewed escalation.
The war has disrupted global energy markets and maritime trade, with Iran targeting shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for roughly one-fifth of global oil and gas supplies, and the United States enforcing a counter-blockade, including the seizure of vessels linked to Tehran.
A first round of direct US-Iran talks held in Islamabad on April 11, the highest-level engagement between the two sides in decades, ended without a breakthrough, with disagreements persisting over Iran’s nuclear program, sanctions relief and regional security issues.
Pakistan has since positioned itself as a mediator, urging both sides to continue dialogue and extend the ceasefire to create space for negotiations.
“DPM/FM underscored Pakistan’s consistent emphasis on dialogue and diplomacy as the only viable means to address challenges and achieve lasting regional peace and stability,” the foreign office said in a statement issued after Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar met US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie A. Baker on Tuesday.
“He stressed the need for engagement between the United States and Iran… and to give dialogue and diplomacy a chance,” it added.
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said separately Iran’s decision on whether to attend the next round of talks was still awaited.
“Decision from Iran to attend the talks… is critical,” Tarar said, adding that Pakistan had made “sincere efforts” to persuade Tehran to participate.
Iran has yet to confirm its participation. Foreign ministry spokesperson Esmail Baqai said on Tuesday evening a final decision had not been made, citing “contradictory messages” and “unacceptable actions” by the United States.
Washington has said a delegation led by Vice President JD Vance is expected to travel to Islamabad “soon,” though no timeline has been confirmed.
Pakistan has stepped up security across the capital in anticipation of possible talks, deploying nearly 20,000 personnel and launching large-scale search operations.
Police said hundreds of individuals, homes, shops and vehicles were checked across multiple areas of Islamabad, with additional checkpoints established at key entry and exit points.
Authorities said the capital remained on high alert as preparations continued for a potential second round of negotiations.
