In a move that has temporarily averted a massive military escalation, U.S. President Donald Trump has indefinitely extended the ceasefire with Iran. The decision, announced Wednesday, follows a high-stakes intervention by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir, who requested the delay to allow for a second round of peace talks in the Pakistani capital.
However, the “olive branch” comes with heavy steel. President Trump clarified that while the strikes are on hold, the U.S. Navy’s blockade of Iranian ports remains in full force. Describing the Iranian leadership as “seriously fractured,” the President insisted that the truce will only hold until Tehran submits a “unified proposal.”
The diplomatic timeline suffered a minor setback as the White House confirmed Vice President JD Vance’s scheduled visit to Islamabad “would not be happening today” as the administration awaits a cohesive signal from Tehran. Prime Minister Shehbaz thanked the U.S. President for the reprieve, expressing hope that both nations can conclude a comprehensive peace deal during the upcoming negotiations.
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