Pakistan — President Donald Trump said Tuesday that the United States would indefinitely extend its ceasefire with Iran, a day before it was set to expire, as a new round of peace talks remained on hold. The move appeared to ease fears that fighting, which had disrupted energy markets and the global economy, would resume immediately.
Pakistan had been preparing to host a second round of negotiations, but the White House put Vice President JD Vance’s planned trip to Islamabad on hold after Iran resisted efforts to restart talks.
Iran has not yet publicly responded to Trump’s announcement. Both sides have warned they are prepared to resume hostilities if a deal is not reached.
Pakistan pushes for renewed talks
Pakistani leaders, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, have been working to bring both sides back to the negotiating table. Sharif later thanked Trump for what he called his “gracious acceptance” of Pakistan’s request to extend the ceasefire, saying it would allow diplomacy to continue.
However, Iranian officials signaled hesitation. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said there was “no final decision” on new talks, citing what Tehran called “unacceptable actions” by the United States, including restrictions affecting Iranian shipping.
Tensions over blockade and Strait of Hormuz
A major sticking point remains the U.S. blockade targeting Iranian ports and shipping. Iran has said lifting the blockade is a condition for returning to negotiations.
The dispute centers on the Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy corridor through which about 20% of the world’s oil and gas passes. The U.S. has demanded unrestricted maritime transit, while Iran has sought relief from economic pressure.
Oil prices have surged amid the crisis, with Brent crude trading near $95 per barrel—up more than 30% since late February.
Military and diplomatic developments
The Pentagon said U.S. forces boarded a sanctioned oil tanker accused of smuggling Iranian crude, describing the action as taking place in international waters. Iran condemned the move as “piracy” and a violation of the ceasefire.
The U.S. also recently seized another Iranian vessel, further escalating tensions.
Meanwhile, Iranian officials said they have received new U.S. proposals but significant gaps remain, particularly over nuclear enrichment, regional influence, and maritime access.
A senior Iranian commander warned of potential retaliation targeting regional oil infrastructure if conflict resumes.
Regional diplomacy and broader conflict
Pakistan has been actively mediating and expressed optimism that Iran may still send a delegation for renewed talks—the highest-level U.S.-Iran contact since the 1979 revolution. Previous discussions in April ended without agreement.
The United Nations called the ceasefire extension an “important step toward de-escalation,” urging both sides to use the pause for diplomatic progress.
Elsewhere in the region, tensions remain high. Hezbollah reported renewed rocket fire into Israel, citing ceasefire violations, while Israel responded with airstrikes. Israel and Lebanon are also preparing for direct diplomatic talks in Washington aimed at reducing tensions and addressing Hezbollah’s military role.
