US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday (April 21) that he had ordered the US military to extend a ceasefire with Iran and maintain the blockade while diplomatic efforts continue, according to a statement attributed to him.
Trump said the decision followed a request from the Pakistani leadership and cited internal divisions in Iran as a factor behind the suspension of military action.
Pakistan, military leadership cited in ceasefire decision
In a statement, Trump said the move came after appeals from senior Pakistani officials.
“At the request of Field Marshal Asim Munir and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, we were asked to carry out our attack on Iran,” Trump said.
He added that Iran’s internal political situation also influenced the decision, describing the government as “seriously fractured”.
Armistice extended, army on alert
Trump said he ordered US forces to remain in position and continue pressure measures.
“I have therefore ordered our military to continue the blockade and in all other respects remain ready and capable,” he said.
He added that the ceasefire will be extended until further diplomatic developments.
“(We will extend) the ceasefire until their proposal is presented and discussions are concluded, one way or another,” Trump said.
A condition for negotiations is a unified Iranian proposal
The US president said the pause in military action would last until Iran presented a unified negotiating position.
He suggested that any future decision on escalation would depend on Tehran submitting a consolidated proposal and engaging in structured discussions.
The diplomatic background remains fluid
The statement comes amid continued uncertainty over US-Iran talks, with a previous round of talks failing and no timetable for the next meeting confirmed.
Pakistan is acting as a mediator in efforts to restore dialogue, while regional tensions remain elevated over military deployments and maritime disputes.
Read also | Vance’s Islamabad trip on hold as Iran unresponsive to talks – Report
The truce holds, but the gaps between the US and Iran remain
An extension of the truce between the United States, Iran and Israel has averted a return to fighting for now, but major differences between the sides remain unresolved.
A planned diplomatic push has also stalled, with Vice President JD Vance’s expected trip to Pakistan still on hold as the US continues to enforce a naval blockade of Iran.
War impact and a fragile truce
The conflict, which began on February 28 when the US and Israel launched strikes on Iran, has already rattled global markets and sent oil prices soaring.
A broader ceasefire came into effect on April 8 after repeated warnings from President Donald Trump, while a separate cease-fire between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon has also been largely in effect since last week.
Despite the pause in fighting, tensions remain high.
Talks stalled despite efforts at mediation
An earlier round of high-level US-Iranian talks in Pakistan on 11-12 April ended without an agreement. Authorities in Islamabad have since prepared for a possible second round, but uncertainty remains.
Vance’s trip to lead the US delegation has been delayed, reflecting the uncertainty over Iran’s involvement and the wider diplomatic impasse.
The Strait of Hormuz remains a flashpoint
A key critical point is the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy choke point through which about 20% of the world’s oil and gas reserves pass.
The waterway remains effectively restricted amid Iranian actions, including reported attacks and fears of mined shipping lanes. Tehran also reportedly imposed steep fees on vessels seeking passage, underscoring its influence over the negotiations.
The disruption has raised concerns about global energy supplies, with some countries already warning of fuel shortages.
Risks of escalation remain despite the ceasefire
The US increased the pressure by blocking ships from Iranian ports. In a recent incident, US forces intercepted an Iranian vessel attempting to break the blockade, prompting Tehran to accuse Washington of “piracy” and violating international law.
Nuclear dispute unresolved
The main disagreement over Iran’s nuclear program remains unresolved. While Iran insists it has the right to enrich uranium for peaceful purposes, the US and Israel have demanded the complete dismantling of their nuclear capabilities.
