Trump extends Iran ceasefire after Pakistan intervene

April 22, 2026 (MLN): A temporary truce between the United States and Iran has been extended following last-minute diplomatic intervention by Pakistan, easing immediate fears of renewed conflict in the Gulf.

U.S. President Donald Trump said he would extend a temporary ceasefire with Iran, citing a request from Pakistan’s leadership, as diplomatic efforts intensify to avert a broader conflict in the Gulf.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the pause in hostilities would remain in place until Iranian officials present a “unified proposal” and negotiations are concluded. The ceasefire had been set to expire early Wednesday.

The move follows direct outreach from Pakistan, where Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Asim Munir urged Washington to hold off on planned strikes, positioning Islamabad as a key intermediary between the U.S. and Iran.

Trump said U.S. forces would maintain a blockade and remain on standby, signaling that military pressure will continue alongside diplomacy.

Sharif welcomed the decision in a statement on X, saying Pakistan would “continue its earnest efforts” toward a negotiated settlement.

He added that a second round of talks is planned in Islamabad, expressing hope for a comprehensive agreement to end the standoff.

The ceasefire was initially announced on April 8 following Pakistani mediation, hours before a U.S. deadline for potential strikes on Iranian infrastructure.

The arrangement also included a request for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil transit route.

Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar reiterated calls for dialogue in a meeting with U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker, emphasizing diplomacy as the only viable path to de-escalation.

Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said Islamabad remains in close contact with Tehran, though confirmation of Iran’s participation in the upcoming talks is still pending.

Tehran has yet to commit. Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei said there is “no final decision” on further negotiations, citing what he described as “unacceptable actions” by the U.S., including the ongoing blockade.

The extension underscores Pakistan’s emerging diplomatic role as tensions between Washington and Tehran remain fluid, with the risk of escalation still tied to developments in the Gulf and the outcome of proposed talks.

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