President Donald Trump on Tuesday extended the deadline for the temporary ceasefire in Iran, citing the need for additional time for consultations.
The leader based the decision on the request of Prime Minister of Pakistan, Shehbaz Sharif, and Field Marshal Asim Munir, Pakistan’s Chief of Defence Forces.
Trump indicated that the United States was asked to hold its attack on Iran until their leaders and representatives “can come up with a unified proposal.”
The President, however, announced that he had directed the U.S. military to continue the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and “remain ready and able.”
On Tuesday, Vice President JD Vance’s planned trip to the Pakistani capital, Islamabad, was postponed following Iran’s refusal to participate in a new round of peace talks.
The flight was initially delayed and later cancelled. Tasnim reported that Tehran mediators informed the U.S. through Pakistan that they will not be in Islamabad on Wednesday.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi described the blockading of Iranian ports as an act of war and thus a violation of the ceasefire.
The diplomat said striking a commercial vessel and taking its crew hostage is a “greater violation,” adding that Iran “knows how to neutralize restrictions, defend its interests, and resist bullying.”
