US President Donald Trump has announced he will delay military action against Iran until Tehran’s negotiating teams present a unified proposal for a peace deal. In a social media post, Mr. Trump stated that he would extend the current ceasefire until Iran submits a proposal. However, he confirmed that a US blockade in the Strait of Hormuz would remain in effect.
Trump’s announcement followed shortly after US Vice-President JD Vance paused plans to travel to Pakistan for a potential second round of peace talks, a trip later confirmed cancelled by a White House official. Iran had not confirmed its participation in these talks, with Iranian state media reporting “no plans” to attend after a US attack on an Iranian-flagged cargo ship over the weekend.
Previously, Mr. Trump had indicated it was “highly unlikely” he would extend the ceasefire, telling CNBC just hours before his announcement that if no deal was reached, “I expect to be bombing.” He had also threatened to target civilian infrastructure, including bridges and power plants, despite warnings that such actions could constitute war crimes.
However, on Truth Social, he cited a “seriously fractured” Iranian government and requests from Pakistani officials to hold off on attacks. “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,” he wrote.
The Strait of Hormuz remains effectively shut down, with shipping data indicating only three ships transited the strait in the 24 hours prior to Trump’s announcement, leaving tens of thousands of sailors stranded. Earlier on Tuesday, the US Defense Department released video purportedly showing American forces boarding a sanctioned Iran-linked oil tanker in the Indo-Pacific, stating, “International waters are not a refuge for sanctioned vessels.”
Pakistan’s Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, expressed gratitude to Mr. Trump on X, thanking him “for graciously accepting our request to extend the ceasefire to allow ongoing diplomatic efforts to take their course.” He added, “Pakistan shall continue its earnest efforts for negotiated settlement of conflict,” and expressed hope that “both sides will continue to observe the ceasefire and be able to conclude a comprehensive ‘Peace Deal’ during the second round of talks scheduled at Islamabad for a permanent end to the conflict.”
Confusion had surrounded the ceasefire’s expiration. Trump’s initial announcement suggested it would end Tuesday evening, Washington time (Wednesday morning, AEST), but he later extended it by an additional 24 hours. A Pakistani official also stated it would expire at 8 PM Wednesday, Washington time (10 AM Thursday, AEST).
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