Washington

US President Donald Trump has announced an indefinite extension of the ceasefire with Iran, following a request from Pakistan, even as tensions escalated sharply with Iranian forces firing on multiple vessels and seizing two ships in the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday.

The decision to prolong the truce came just hours before the existing two-week ceasefire was due to expire. Trump said the extension was intended to provide Iran’s leadership additional time to formulate a unified proposal for negotiations.

In his remarks, the US President indicated that Washington would hold off on military action for now, but maintained that the economic blockade on Iranian ports would continue.

While Pakistan welcomed the move, Iran has not officially confirmed its agreement to extend the ceasefire. Tehran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency reported the absence of any formal statement from Iranian authorities on the development.

Pakistan had pushed for the extension amid uncertainty over the next round of talks. Although reports suggest that fresh negotiations could take place soon—possibly within the next few days—Tehran has yet to decide whether it will participate in another round of discussions in Islamabad.

An Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson said the country would only attend talks if it aligns with its national interests, while also criticising the US for what it described as a lack of seriousness in previous negotiations.

Meanwhile, developments at sea underscored the fragile security situation. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards reportedly intercepted two vessels in the Strait of Hormuz and moved them into Iranian waters for inspection. A third ship was also reportedly fired upon before being stopped.

The incidents come amid heightened tensions over control of the strategic waterway, a vital global energy corridor through which a significant share of the world’s oil and gas supplies passes.

The extension of the ceasefire has also delayed a planned visit by a US delegation led by Vice President JD Vance to Islamabad for talks with Iranian representatives.

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed appreciation for Washington’s decision, voicing hope that both sides would use the opportunity to work towards a comprehensive peace agreement. He said Pakistan would continue to facilitate dialogue and support efforts aimed at de-escalation.

At the same time, diplomatic engagement has continued in Islamabad, where Iran’s envoy met Pakistani leadership to discuss the evolving regional situation and ongoing peace initiatives.

However, tensions remain high, with strong rhetoric from both sides. Iranian officials have criticised US actions, including the blockade of Iranian ports, calling it a violation of the ceasefire. They also warned against interference with commercial vessels, asserting that Tehran would defend its interests.

The United States, meanwhile, has intensified economic pressure by imposing fresh sanctions targeting individuals and entities allegedly linked to Iran’s weapons procurement network.

Officials in Washington also warned that Iran’s oil storage capacity could soon be strained, increasing pressure on its energy sector.

Security has been tightened in Islamabad ahead of the anticipated talks, with large-scale deployments of personnel around key government areas.

The initial round of negotiations earlier this month failed to produce a breakthrough, prompting renewed diplomatic efforts to revive dialogue and prevent further escalation.

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The conflict, which began in late February following US-Israeli strikes, continues to pose a significant threat to regional stability, with both military and diplomatic developments unfolding simultaneously.