Trump extends Iran ceasefire, claims interception of ‘gift from China’
Strait blockade stays as US seizes vessel said to be carrying ammunition for Iran; Beijing denies role and talks face fresh doubt
US President Donald Trump announced a last-minute extension of the ceasefire with Iran following a request from Pakistan’s top leadership, even as he appeared to suggest that American forces had intercepted a potentially lethal “gift from China” to Tehran.
Describing the Iranian government as “seriously fractured”, Trump said on social media that he agreed to hold off military operations against Iran at the behest of Pakistan’s army chief Asim Munir and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
Trump added that the arrangement will remain in place “until such time as their leaders and representatives can come up with a unified proposal”, noting that the naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz will continue.
The decision came just hours after Trump ruled out extending the two-week ceasefire as “highly unlikely”, saying he would not be “rushed” by “people that are really treasonous” and warning that bombing would resume if there was no resolution reached.
“I want to make a good deal. I’m not going to be rushed. I have all the time in the world,” he told CNBC in a phone interview. Trump has previously vowed not to extend deadlines only to prolong them when the other side does not capitulate.
In the hours leading up to the announcement, uncertainty deepened over whether the fragile truce would hold, casting doubt on plans for a second round of talks in Islamabad, where a US delegation led by Vice-President J.D. Vance was expected.