US-Iran War Live Updates: Trump Extends Ceasefire, Blockade to Continue President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday the extension of the ceasefire between the United States and Iran, citing Pakistan’s request and the fractured state of Iran’s government as key factors. The decision maintains the U.S. Naval blockade of Iranian ports while pausing direct military attacks, creating a temporary pause in hostilities as diplomatic efforts remain stalled. The ceasefire extension follows a direct appeal from Pakistani officials, including Field Marshal Asim Munir and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who urged the U.S. To delay attacks to allow Iranian leaders time to formulate a unified negotiating position. Trump stated on Truth Social that the move was made “based on the fact that the Government of Iran is seriously fractured” and that the U.S. Would continue the blockade and remain militarily ready until Iran submits a proposal for negotiations. The blockade, enforced by the U.S. Navy, remains in place despite the ceasefire. Iranian officials have condemned the continued blockade as a violation of the truce and an act of war. An advisor to Iran’s parliament speaker, Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, called the ceasefire extension “a ploy to buy time” for a potential surprise strike and emphasized that the ongoing port blockade “is no different from bombardment and must be met with a military response.” Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent reaffirmed the administration’s position, confirming that the U.S. Navy will maintain the blockade of Iranian ports even as the ceasefire is extended. The move has drawn criticism from Tehran, which insists it will not negotiate under conditions of military pressure or economic strangulation. Diplomatic prospects remain uncertain. While Pakistan has offered to host future negotiations in Islamabad once Iran presents a unified proposal, Iranian state media outlet Tasnim reported that negotiators from Tehran have informed U.S. Counterparts, via an intermediary in Pakistan, that they would not attend further talks, calling them “a waste of time” under current conditions. The situation has contributed to volatility in global oil markets, with prices fluctuating in response to developments in the Strait of Hormuz. Regional tensions persist, including exchanges of accusations between Hezbollah and Israel over alleged ceasefire violations. As of April 22, 2026, the ceasefire remains in effect indefinitely, contingent on Iran’s internal political coordination and submission of a formal proposal. The U.S. Maintains its dual strategy of diplomatic outreach through regional mediators and sustained economic and naval pressure on Iran. No formal peace talks have been scheduled, and the path to de-escalation remains unclear.
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