President Donald Trump announced Tuesday that the ceasefire between the U.S. and Israel has been extended pending further negotiations. The announcement comes less than 48 hours before the initial ceasefire agreement was set to expire.
“Based on the fact that the government of Iran is seriously fractured, not unexpectedly so, and, upon the request of Field Marshal Asim Munir and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan, 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,” the president posted 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.”
Trump Announces Extension of Ceasefire with Iran
He is delaying planned strikes due to the fractured nature of the Iranian government and at the request of Pakistan.
The U.S. blockade of Iranian ports will remain fully in effect.
The pressure stays on until Iran… pic.twitter.com/ddv8I6J9K0
— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) April 21, 2026
The original ceasefire was negotiated and announced by Trump on April 7, shortly before a set 8 p.m. deadline for further escalation. At that time, Trump had threatened significant military action unless Iranian infrastructure unless the regime reopened the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping.
Pakistan served as the primary mediator, proposing a two-week “double-sided” ceasefire that included Iran allowing safe passage through the strait. Trump described the agreement as a pause to allow time for negotiations toward a longer-term peace deal in the Middle East.
Under the initial terms, Iran was expected to permit oil, gas, and other vessels to transit the strait without interference. In exchange, the United States agreed to suspend planned strikes.
The ceasefire has held since its implementation, though both sides have accused each other of minor violations during the period.
Direct talks later took place between U.S. and Iranian representatives in Pakistan from April 11-12. The first round occurred involved a U.S. delegation led by Vice President JD Vance, special envoy Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner, though the two sides ultimately failed to come to an agreement.
Trump has expressed optimism that additional talks could occur in the coming days, though an agreement for a second round of discussions has not been released as of this report.
This is a developing story.
