The United States has extended its ceasefire with Iran, with former US President Donald Trump stating that the decision came after a request from Pakistan’s leadership. The move comes just hours before the truce was due to expire, offering a temporary pause in escalating tensions.

Trump said the extension is intended to provide Iran additional time to present a “unified proposal” for a broader peace agreement, signalling a shift towards diplomacy even as pressure on Tehran continues.

Pakistan steps in as mediator

Pakistan has played a key role in facilitating the ceasefire extension. Its leadership, including top civil and military figures, urged the US to delay further action and allow diplomatic efforts to continue.

The development positions Pakistan as an emerging mediator in the crisis, with efforts underway to encourage dialogue between Washington and Tehran. The country has also indicated willingness to support or host discussions aimed at de-escalation.

Pressure remains despite pause

Despite the extension of the ceasefire, the situation remains tense. The US has not rolled back its strategic posture in the region.

Military readiness continues, and restrictions such as the naval blockade linked to Iran remain in place. This indicates that while direct confrontation has been paused, broader pressure tactics are still active.

What Pakistan could gain

Pakistan’s involvement in the ceasefire process could bring several advantages.

First, it enhances the country’s global diplomatic standing by placing it at the centre of a major international issue. Acting as a mediator between two adversaries can improve its credibility on the world stage.

Second, stability in the region is directly beneficial for Pakistan’s economic interests, particularly given its reliance on energy supplies linked to the broader Middle East.

Finally, successful mediation could strengthen Pakistan’s strategic influence, giving it a more prominent role in future geopolitical developments.

Uncertain road ahead

While the ceasefire extension has reduced immediate risks, uncertainty remains over how the situation will evolve. Much will depend on whether Iran presents a proposal acceptable to the US and whether negotiations can move forward.

For now, the extension reflects a temporary shift away from confrontation, but the underlying tensions remain unresolved.

Peace talks between the United States and Iran are being considered in Islamabad, with uncertainty over participation and format

Peace talks between the United States and Iran are being considered in Islamabad, according to media reports, with the possibility that former US President Donald Trump may participate either in person or virtually. However, no final decision on the venue, format or participation has been confirmed.

According to reports citing a Pakistani source, preparations for the talks are moving ahead as scheduled, and both sides are expected to engage in discussions aimed at resolving ongoing tensions.

The proposed talks come at a critical time, as diplomatic efforts continue to stabilise relations amid heightened geopolitical strain. Pakistan is expected to host or facilitate the discussions, hosting the discussions and coordinating with both Washington and Tehran to facilitate dialogue.

Officials familiar with the development indicated that Trump’s participation remains uncertain, with reports indicating he may attend either in person or virtually. His presence—either physically in Islamabad or through virtual means—would signal the importance of the outcome and potentially influence the direction of the talks.

Despite the progress in planning, uncertainty remains over the final composition of delegations and the level of participation from each side. Separate reports suggest that while preparations are underway, clarity over Iran’s attendance and broader engagement is still evolving.

The talks are expected to focus on easing tensions and exploring pathways toward a broader agreement, though key sticking points between the two sides remain unresolved.

Ceasefire between US and Iran nears deadline as both sides trade sharp warnings over blockade and military response

Tensions between the United States and Iran have intensified as a fragile ceasefire approaches its deadline, with both sides issuing strong warnings amid ongoing disputes over the Strait of Hormuz.

US President Donald Trump has cautioned that severe military action could follow if negotiations fail, signalling that “bombs will go off” in the absence of a deal. His remarks come as Washington continues a naval blockade targeting Iranian oil exports and maritime movement, a move Tehran has strongly opposed.

Iran, on the other hand, has indicated it is prepared with what it described as “new cards,” suggesting a potential shift in its strategy if the situation escalates further. The standoff reflects deep mistrust between the two sides, even as diplomatic efforts continue in the background.

The current crisis is centred around the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil transit route. The United States imposed the blockade after talks failed to produce a breakthrough, aiming to restrict Iran’s oil shipments and increase economic pressure.

Tehran has accused Washington of violating the ceasefire by maintaining the blockade and taking aggressive actions, including the seizure of vessels near the strategic waterway. These developments have further complicated efforts to sustain peace.

A temporary ceasefire, agreed earlier this month, had paused hostilities for two weeks following threats of major escalation. However, with the truce nearing its end, uncertainty looms over whether it will be extended or collapse into renewed conflict.

The situation has also raised concerns globally, as disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz can significantly impact oil supply and international markets. Analysts warn that prolonged tensions could lead to economic instability and further geopolitical strain.

Diplomatic channels remain open, but the sharp rhetoric from both Washington and Tehran indicates that the path to a lasting agreement remains uncertain.