President Donald Trump announced Tuesday an indefinite extension of the U.S. ceasefire with Iran, just hours before the previous two-week deadline was set to expire.
Trump posted on Truth Social that the ceasefire would continue “until such time as their leaders and representatives can come up with a unified proposal.” Trump cited Iran’s “seriously fractured” government as a factor while maintaining pressure through the ongoing blockade.
Vice President JD Vance’s planned trip to Islamabad for further negotiations was canceled, reported The Wall Street Journal.
The ceasefire, first announced earlier in April following U.S. and Israeli military actions against Iranian targets, had already been extended multiple times. On Monday, Trump had described another extension as “highly unlikely” without a deal. Iran’s chief negotiator dismissed the latest extension as a ploy to buy time, per CNN World.
Tensions escalated again on Wednesday when Iran reportedly fired on at least three cargo ships (or container vessels) in the Strait of Hormuz, per AP. Iran has accused the U.S. of violating the ceasefire by maintaining the naval blockade and seizing an Iranian-flagged ship earlier.
The U.S. has kept its naval blockade in place, restricting Iranian oil exports and contributing to reported daily losses for Tehran estimated at $500 million. Trump has said Iran is “starving for cash” under the pressure. The Pentagon previously deployed additional troops to the region to support operations.
Talks between U.S. and Iranian officials have occurred indirectly through intermediaries, including in Pakistan. Progress has been limited, with both sides remaining far apart on terms to end the conflict that began earlier this year.
The situation has drawn international attention, with Qatar expressing support for ceasefire efforts, as reported by Euronews. Uncertainty persists over the next steps as the conflict enters its eighth week.
