While extending the truce, Trump has maintained the USA’s naval blockade of Iranian ports and kept its military in a state of high readiness. The move underscores a dual-track strategy—holding back from escalation while continuing to exert strategic and economic pressure on Iran.
BY PC Bureau
April 22, 2026 — Donald Trump on Tuesday announced an extension of the ceasefire with Iran, saying the truce will remain in place until Tehran presents a unified proposal and ongoing negotiations are concluded.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the decision followed a direct request from Pakistan to delay further military action and allow diplomacy more time.
In an accompanying statement, Trump said the appeal came from Pakistan’s leadership, including Army Chief Asim Munir and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
“Based on the fact that the Government of Iran is seriously fractured … and upon the request of Field Marshal Asim Munir and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan, we have been asked to hold our attack,” Trump said, adding that US forces would maintain a naval blockade while remaining fully prepared for further action.
The move signals a temporary easing of tensions, though pressure on Iran continues through the blockade and heightened military readiness.
🇺🇸 TRUMP JUST SAID
Iran ceasefire is being extended at Pakistan’s request, but the military blockade stays in place.
“Iran must submit a unified proposal or strikes are back on the table.” https://t.co/96OiCqCcNn pic.twitter.com/xFl7nPaLRK
— Ash Crypto (@AshCrypto) April 21, 2026
READ: Explosive Claim: Trump Wanted to Use Nuke Codes Against Iran
Vance Cancels Islamabad Visit
US Vice President JD Vance did not depart for Islamabad as scheduled on Tuesday. The White House later confirmed that the visit had been cancelled.
Iran Condemns Blockade
Shortly before the announcement, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi described the US blockade of Iranian ports as “an act of war” in a post on X, warning that targeting commercial vessels or detaining crews would escalate tensions.
Separately, Iran said it would not attend upcoming talks in Pakistan, according to the semi-official Tasnim News Agency. The report cited US refusal to ease what Tehran called “excessive demands,” with Iran concluding that negotiations would be unproductive.
Iran has formally communicated its decision to Pakistan and mediators, stating it will not participate in the planned discussions.
An adviser to Parliamentary Speaker Mohammad Baqer Ghalibaf dismissed the ceasefire extension as “a ploy to buy time” for a potential US strike, warning that the ongoing blockade was “no different from bombardment” and urging a stronger response.
Pakistan Welcomes Move
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif thanked President Trump for extending the ceasefire, saying it would allow diplomatic efforts to continue.
In a post on X, Sharif said Pakistan would keep working toward a negotiated settlement and expressed hope that both sides would respect the truce and move toward a comprehensive agreement in the next round of talks in Islamabad.
On my personal behalf and on behalf of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, I sincerely thank President Trump for graciously accepting our request to extend the ceasefire to allow ongoing diplomatic efforts to take their course.
With the trust and confidence reposed in, Pakistan…
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) April 21, 2026
