Trump Extends Iran Ceasefire Again After Postponed Islamabad Peace Talks
President Donald Trump has announced a further extension of the ceasefire with Iran, allowing Tehran additional time to present a "unified proposal" for ending the ongoing conflict. The decision follows a day of diplomatic uncertainty in Washington, which saw Vice President JD Vance's planned trip to Islamabad for peace talks postponed.
Air Force Two, prepared to transport Vance for negotiations, remained grounded as Iran had not formally committed to attending the discussions. Senior members of the US negotiating team, including special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, diverted to Washington instead of proceeding directly to the Pakistani capital, signalling the postponement.
Trump confirmed the ceasefire extension via Truth Social, his preferred platform for war updates, stating the decision was made at the request of Pakistan, which has been mediating between Washington and Tehran. He notably did not specify the duration of this extension, unlike the previous two-week deadline set earlier this month.
The US-Israel coalition launched wide-ranging strikes on Iran on 28 February, killing Iran's Supreme Leader and hundreds of civilians. This included a primary school attack on the first day, which resulted in the deaths of 110 children. This military action initiated the current conflict.
Analysts suggest Trump's open-ended statement may indicate a desire to de-escalate a war that has impacted the global economy and generated discontent among his anti-interventionist support base. However, questions persist regarding the war's ultimate resolution, particularly concerning the US blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran views as an act of war, and Tehran's continued nuclear programme and regional proxy support—issues Washington deems "red lines" for any final peace agreement.
