United States President Donald Trump has announced an extension of the ceasefire with Iran.
In a statement on the social media platform Truth Social, President Trump said the planned strike against Iran had been postponed for the time being at the request of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir, to allow the Iranian leadership and its representatives to present a joint proposal.
He said the ceasefire would remain in place until Iran submits its proposal and negotiations reach a conclusion.
The US president added that the American military had been instructed to maintain the blockade against Iran and remain fully prepared in all other matters.
He said the Iranian government was facing severe internal divisions, which he termed as not unexpected.
Following the announcement, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said he sincerely thanked President Trump, on his own behalf and on behalf of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, for accepting the request to extend the ceasefire to allow diplomatic efforts to proceed.
He said Pakistan would continue its efforts for a negotiated settlement of the conflict and expressed hope that both sides would observe the ceasefire and reach a comprehensive peace deal during the second round of talks scheduled in Islamabad.
Also Read: JD Vance’s Pakistan trip delayed as Iran stalls talks
Earlier, in an interview with American television, President Trump said the issue with Iran would be resolved through a major deal, adding that both sides would reach an agreement once they sit together. He said there was no urgency and that the United States would conclude an accord with Iran to end the conflict.
He also said that JD Vance and other US officials would visit Pakistan for negotiations, adding that Iran would have to enter into an agreement given the current situation. President Trump had also called for the release of women prior to talks with Iranian leadership.
