President Trump announced on Tuesday he would extend the ceasefire with Iran and maintain a military blockade against the nation.
In his statement, Trump noted that Iran’s government was “seriously fractured” and that upon request from Field Marshal Asim Munir and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan, U.S. forces would hold attacks on Iran until Iranian leaders present a unified proposal. He added he had directed U.S. military forces to continue the blockade and “in all other respects, remain ready and able,” extending the ceasefire until Iran submits its proposal or negotiations conclude.
The announcement followed reports that Vice President JD Vance’s planned trip to Pakistan for peace talks was suspended. Iranian state media reported that Tehran’s negotiators informed U.S. counterparts through a Pakistani intermediary they would not participate further in talks, calling it “a waste of time” because the U.S. prevents reaching an agreement.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemned the blockade as a “violation of the ceasefire,” stating that striking commercial vessels and taking crew members hostage constitutes an even greater violation. He emphasized, “Iran knows how to neutralize restrictions, defend its interests, and resist bullying.”
Additionally, Iran’s mission to the United Nations demanded “a firm and unequivocal condemnation” of the U.S. seizure of an Iranian-flagged ship, full accountability for those responsible, and the immediate release of the vessel and its crew. The incident involved U.S. forces firing on and seizing the Iranian cargo vessel Touska after it attempted to bypass the blockade, which Iran’s mission described as a “grave breach of international law,” a “clear violation of the ceasefire,” and an act of aggression marked by piracy that endangers maritime safety.