Trump extends Iran ceasefire with Tehran regime ‘seriously fractured’

Donald Trump speaks in the Oval Office of the White House (Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP)

US President Donald Trump said he would indefinitely extend the ceasefire with Iran to allow for further peace talks, although it was not ​clear on Wednesday if Iran or Israel, the US ally in the two-month war, would agree.

Mr Trump said the blockade of the country’s ports would remain in force.

He said in a statement on social media the US had agreed to a request by Pakistani ‌mediators "to hold our Attack on the Country of Iran until such time as their leaders and representatives can come up with a unified proposal ... and discussions are concluded, one way or the other."

The move comes as the deadline loomed on the current fragile truce and proposed talks in Islamabad to end the Iran war were put on hold, amid tensions over the ongoing stand-off in the Strait of Hormuz.

The effective closure of the vital supply route during the conflict has inflicted a global economic shock and sent energy prices soaring.

Writing in post on his Truth Social platform, Mr Trump said: “Based on the fact that the Government of Iran is seriously fractured, not unexpectedly so and, upon the request of Field Marshal Asim Munir, and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, of Pakistan, 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.

“I have therefore directed our Military to continue the Blockade and, in all other respects, remain ready and able, and will therefore extend the Ceasefire until such time as their proposal is submitted, and discussions are concluded, one way or the other.”

- Press Association and Reuters