Hours after saying he had no plans to extend the ceasefire with Iran, Donald Trump reversed course, announcing an extension while citing a request from Pakistan and awaiting a “unified proposal” from Tehran.
In a Tuesday interview with CNBC, Trump had dismissed the idea of prolonging the truce, insisting the United States was negotiating from a position of strength. “I don’t want to do that. We don’t have that much time,” he said, adding he expected to secure “a great deal.”
Later the same day, however, Trump confirmed the ceasefire would continue, saying he had been urged by Pakistan’s leadership—including Field Marshal Asim Munir and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif—to allow more time for diplomacy. He added that US naval restrictions on Iranian ports would remain in place, and that Washington would stay “ready and able” in all other respects.
The extension comes amid uncertainty over the next round of talks in Pakistan, with the White House confirming that Vice President JD Vance would not travel to Islamabad.
Mixed signals and sharp rhetoric
Earlier, Trump had struck a more aggressive tone, warning that failure to reach a deal could lead to military action. “I expect to be bombing,” he said, suggesting a hardline approach to negotiations if the ceasefire collapsed.
Iran’s response
There was no immediate official reaction from senior Iranian leaders. However, early signals from Tehran indicated skepticism. The Tasnim News Agency, which is affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, reported that Iran had not requested any ceasefire extension.
An adviser to parliamentary speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf also downplayed Trump’s announcement, suggesting it carried little weight and could be a negotiating tactic. Iranian-linked voices further warned that any US blockade could be challenged by force.
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