Trump Extends Iran Ceasefire Indefinitely

President Donald Trump has indefinitely extended the US-Iran ceasefire hours before it was set to expire, granting Pakistan's request to allow more time for peace talks aimed at ending a war that has killed thousands and destabilized the global economy. The extension, announced April 21, came after a day of mounting uncertainty in which both sides appeared to be walking away from planned negotiations in Islamabad, with US Vice President JD Vance indefinitely postponing his trip to lead the American delegation. Trump had told CNBC earlier that the US military was "raring to go" and that he was not inclined to extend the temporary truce, though he ultimately granted Pakistan's mediation request, which was backed by Iran. The ceasefire, which began two weeks ago when Trump unilaterally announced a 90-day pause, will now continue until Iran submits "a unified proposal" and negotiations conclude. However, Trump made clear the US Navy will maintain its blockade of Iran's ports and the Strait of Hormuz, which Tehran has characterized as an act of war and piracy. The blockade became a sticking point this week after US forces boarded a massive Iranian oil tanker in international waters. Iran has yet to officially comment on the extension, and its delegation had not confirmed attendance at the Islamabad talks as of late Tuesday. Trump attributed Iran's willingness to negotiate to internal fractures caused by US-Israeli assassinations of Iranian leaders, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was succeeded by his son. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and international law experts have maintained that attacking civilian infrastructure such as power plants violates international humanitarian law, a concern that had intensified after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu repeatedly called for strikes on such targets. Israel, which launched the war alongside the US on February 28, is complying with the ceasefire but remains opposed to the truce. Meanwhile, Houthi rebels in Yemen, who joined the conflict in support of Iran on March 28, warned of potential escalation, raising concerns about renewed threats to vital maritime routes in the Red Sea.