Trump Extends Iran Ceasefire After Pakistan’s Request as Talks Hang in Balance

ISLAMABAD: US President Donald Trump has announced the extension of ceasefire between Tehran and Washington following a request by Pakistani government leaders that Iran should not be attacked.

President Trump said in a tweet that ceasefire has been extended till the time Iran submitted a “unified proposal for discussion between the two sides.

“Based on the fact that the Government of Iran is seriously fractured, not unexpectedly so and, upon the request of Field Marshal Asim Munir, and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, of Pakistan, 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”

“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 posted on his Truth Social platform

Trump’s statement came as the Pakistan-brokered ceasefire agreed on April 8 neared its deadline.

On the other hand, Pakistan Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said on Tuesday that the ceasefire was to end at 4:50am PST on April 22.
After Trump’s announcement of ceasefire extension, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif thanked the US president in a post on X.

“On my personal behalf and on behalf of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, I sincerely thank President Trump for graciously accepting our request to extend the ceasefire to allow ongoing diplomatic efforts to take their course,” he said.
The premier further stated that with the “trust and confidence reposed in [it], Pakistan shall continue its earnest efforts for negotiated settlement of conflict”.

“I sincerely 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,” he added.
Meanwhile uncertainty prevails regarding the resumption of Tehran-Washington talks in Islamabad following Iranian government reluctance to join the talks if blockade of their ports is not lifted on immediate basis.

Amid this confusion White House official said after ceasefire extension that Vance’s trip to Pakistan would “not be happening today”.

“The trip to Pakistan will not be happening today. Any further updates on in-person meetings will be announced by the White House,” the official said in a statement.

For his part, Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei told Iranian state TV on Tuesday prior to Trump’s announcement that Tehran had not yet made a decision on whether to attend talks with the United States in Pakistan.