Trump Extends Ceasefire, Citing Fractured Iranian Leadership

President Donald Trump said Tuesday that the United States will extend its ceasefire with Iran at the request of Pakistan, even as Tehran has yet to respond to Washington's latest negotiating positions and high‑level diplomacy remains on hold.

In a statement, Trump said Pakistan's military chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif asked Washington to delay further military action while Iranian leaders work to assemble a "unified proposal." Trump said he has ordered the U.S. military to maintain its blockade of Iranian ports and remain prepared for renewed hostilities if talks fail.

"I have therefore directed our Military to continue the Blockade and, in all other respects, remain ready and able, and will therefore extend the Ceasefire until such time as their proposal is submitted, and discussions are concluded, one way or the other," Trump wrote via Truth Social.

The decision comes as the White House has paused Vice President JD Vance's planned trip to Islamabad, where he was expected to press Iranian negotiators for progress toward a nuclear agreement. A U.S. official said the visit was put on hold after Tehran failed to respond to American proposals, though the trip could resume quickly if Iran signals readiness to engage.

This is a breaking news story. Updates to follow.

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This story was originally published April 21, 2026 at 1:34 PM.