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Ceasefire extended as US-Iran negotiations hit snag
President Donald Trump announced a last-minute extension of the US-Iran ceasefire on Tuesday, delaying a planned diplomatic mission to Islamabad as talks between the two nations remained in limbo. The decision marks the second time in recent weeks Trump has paused military escalation, opting instead to give Tehran additional time to present a unified peace proposal.
Diplomatic mission grounded amid uncertainty
Vice President JD Vance was set to depart for Pakistan aboard Air Force Two for another round of negotiations, but the flight never took off. Neither Washington nor Tehran had confirmed attendance, leaving the White House in a precarious position. Speculation grew as key US negotiators, including special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, diverted to Washington from Miami instead of proceeding to Islamabad.
Vance later arrived at the White House for emergency policy meetings as Trump and his advisers weighed their next steps. The postponement underscored the fragility of the negotiations, with no clear indication whether Iran would engage in meaningful dialogue.
Trump cites Pakistani mediation in ceasefire decision
The president announced the extension on Truth Social, stating the move came at Pakistan's request. Trump framed the delay as an opportunity for Iran's leadership to develop a cohesive proposal, though he did not specify a new deadline-unlike a previous two-week extension earlier this month.
"We have been asked to hold our Attack on the Country of Iran until such time as their leaders and representatives can come up with a unified proposal."
President Donald Trump, Truth Social
Analysts noted the shift in tone from Trump's prior rhetoric, suggesting a strategic pivot to end a conflict that has disrupted the global economy and alienated his anti-interventionist base.
Key obstacles remain in peace negotiations
Despite the temporary reprieve, critical hurdles persist. Iran has labeled the US blockade of the Strait of Hormuz an act of war, yet Trump offered no indication he would lift the restrictions, which have failed to compel Tehran's compliance. Meanwhile, Iran has not signaled willingness to abandon its nuclear program or curtail support for proxy groups in the Middle East-two non-negotiable demands from the Trump administration.
Former US Ambassador James Jeffrey told the BBC that Trump's approach-threatening escalation while offering concessions-is not unprecedented but lacks a clear resolution strategy. "There is no clear formula for ending wars," Jeffrey said.
Analysts question Trump's long-term strategy
Brian Katulis, a senior fellow at the Middle East Institute, described the extension as a pragmatic response to fractures within Iran's leadership but warned it deepens uncertainty about the war's duration.
"This move begs the question though for Trump about how he can deal with the economic pain that Americans are experiencing and the political pain he's experiencing from his base. He hasn't answered the questions that are still driving this crisis."
Brian Katulis, Middle East Institute
With the ceasefire extended, both sides now face renewed pressure to bridge divides. Yet, as Katulis noted, the path to a lasting peace remains elusive, with neither side showing signs of backing down on core demands.
