Donald Trump has thrown a wrench in plans for renewed attacks on Iran. Just hours before the ceasefire was set to expire, the ex-president announced an open-ended extension, citing a direct plea from Pakistan’s military and government chiefs.
Ceasefire Held, but Blockade Remains
In a late Tuesday post on Truth Social, Trump revealed he ordered US forces to keep up the blockade of Iran while holding off on airstrikes. He insisted the military remains “ready and able” to strike but will wait until Tehran’s fractured leadership delivers a unified proposal. “We’re on pause until one way or the other, discussions come to a close,” Trump declared. The call to extend the truce came from Pakistan’s Field Marshal Asim Munir and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who urged Washington to halt strikes to give Iran time to form a clear negotiating stance.
Deadline Confusion Adds Drama
- Trump originally said the ceasefire would end “Wednesday evening Washington time” but gave no exact hour.
- Pakistan’s info minister pegged the deadline at 4.50am Pakistani time Wednesday — around 7.50pm Washington time Tuesday — much earlier than Trump suggested.
- This muddle added to tensions as expectations grew for a return to hostilities.
Earlier Tuesday, Trump warned the military was “raring to go” and ready to resume bombing if no deal arose. Meanwhile, Iran claimed it had “no plans for the next round of negotiations” and didn’t confirm attendance at upcoming talks in Islamabad.
Strait of Hormuz Blockade Still Tight
Despite the ceasefire extension, Trump’s blockade of the strategic Strait of Hormuz remains firmly in place. The blockade was imposed after Iran refused to halt its nuclear programme, keeping the pressure firmly on Tehran amid ongoing tensions.
