President Trump said Tuesday he will postpone attacks on Iran while its “fractured” leadership tries to submit a proposal for lasting peace.
Mr. Trump said he agreed to extend a two-week ceasefire for an undetermined period upon the request of Pakistani leaders who are serving as mediators between the warring nations. The ceasefire had been due to expire by Wednesday night, according to Mr. Trump.
“We have been asked to hold our Attack on the Country of Iran until such time as their leaders and representatives can come up with a unified proposal,” Mr. Trump said on Truth Social. “I have therefore directed our Military to continue the Blockade and, in all other respects, remain ready and able, and will therefore extend the Ceasefire until such time as their proposal is submitted, and discussions are concluded, one way or the other.”
Mr. Trump announced his decision after Vice President J.D. Vance delayed a trip to Islamabad, Pakistan, for renewed peace talks.
Iranian officials had sent mixed signals about whether they would attend and be amenable to peace talks.
Previously, Mr. Trump said he was reluctant to extend the ceasefire and threatened to resume bombing Iran.
SEE ALSO: Trump suggests China got caught by U.S. sending military aid to Iran
He’s been deferential to Pakistani Field Marshal Asim Munir and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, however, saying they are productive mediators.
Mr. Trump says his main demand from Iran will not change — namely, that Tehran officials cannot pursue a nuclear weapon. His decision to maintain a blockade on Iranian ports is noteworthy, too, because Iran has objected to the blockade as a violation of the preexisting ceasefire.
