Trump Extends Iran Ceasefire While Maintaining Naval Blockade

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump has extended the U.S. ceasefire with Iran while ordering the continuation of a naval blockade, raising uncertainty over the future of diplomatic talks between the two countries.

The decision, announced Tuesday, came just hours before the existing two-week ceasefire was set to expire. Trump said the extension was prompted by internal divisions within Iran’s leadership and a request from Pakistan, which has been mediating discussions.

“Based on the fact that the Government of Iran is seriously fractured… 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 said in a statement.

“I have therefore directed our military to continue the blockade… and will therefore extend the ceasefire until such time as their proposal is submitted, and discussions are concluded, one way or the other,” he added.

The move has complicated ongoing diplomatic efforts. Vice President JD Vance canceled a planned trip to Islamabad for the next round of talks, with U.S. officials saying Washington is waiting for a clearer position from Tehran.

Iran has not confirmed whether it will participate in further negotiations and has called for the U.S. to lift the blockade as a precondition for returning to talks.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi criticized the continued blockade, calling it a violation of the ceasefire. “Blockading Iranian ports is an act of war and thus a violation of the ceasefire,” he said, adding that actions against commercial vessels represent an even greater breach.

Pakistan welcomed the extension, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif thanking Trump for “graciously accepting our request to extend the ceasefire to allow ongoing diplomatic efforts to take their course.”

Despite the extension, tensions remain high. Trump warned that military action remains a possibility if negotiations fail.

“Well, I expect to be bombing… the military is raring to go,” he said in an interview.

The United States has continued to apply pressure through a maritime blockade targeting Iranian ports and oil shipments. Officials said dozens of vessels have been forced to turn back or return to port since the blockade began earlier this month.

Iran has responded with threats of escalation, with reports indicating Tehran may refuse to reopen the Strait of Hormuz while the blockade remains and could attempt to break it by force.

The standoff has left both sides in a holding pattern, with the ceasefire extended but no clear path forward for negotiations. The conflict, which began in late February, has already disrupted global energy markets, particularly through tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global oil shipments. (Source: IANS)