ISLAMABAD: US President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that he was extending a ceasefire between the US and Iran until Tehran submitted a “unified proposal” and “discussions are concluded, one way or the other”.
The announcement came via a post by Trump on his Truth Social platform, a day before the existing truce was set to expire, in what he says was after a request from Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir.
“Based on the fact that the Government of Iran is seriously fractured, not unexpectedly so and, upon the request of Field Marshal Asim Munir, and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, of Pakistan, we have been asked to hold our Attack on the Country of Iran until such time as their leaders and representatives can come up with a unified proposal,” Trump wrote.
He said that the ceasefire would remain in place only until Iran’s leadership presents a “unified proposal”.
Trump said he would continue the U.S. Navy’s blockade of Iran’s ports. Iran’s leaders have called the blockade an act of war, and it became a sticking point in proceeding with talks.
The US president accused Iran of wanting to keep the Strait of Hormuz open “so they can make $500 Million Dollars a day,” which he said the Gulf nation would risk losing if it remains closed.
Islamabad, meanwhile, celebrated the announcement and said it would continue to try to negotiate an end to the war. It was not clear when, or if, that second round of talks would be scheduled.
In a statement posted on social media, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif thanked the US president in a post on X After Trump’s announcement of ceasefire extension.
“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,” he said.
Pakistan initially positioned itself as a facilitator in the peace process between Iran and United States following the US and Israel launched attacks on Iran on February 28, setting off a conflict that gave rise to a global fuel crisis. Later, the White House and Iran acknowledged it as the “sole mediator” in the process.
Islamabad has already completed foolproof security and other arrangements in its capital for the second round of the high-stakes post-ceasefire talks between the US and Iran. The talks were initially planned for last weekend, but are now expected this week.
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