U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday evening, April 22, 2026, the extension of the ceasefire with Iran indefinitely, just hours before the deadline he had declared nearly two weeks earlier. The American decision came in response to a request from Pakistan, which is mediating the ongoing talks between Washington and Tehran. Trump stated in a post on his Truth Social platform that he approved Islamabad's request "to halt our attack on Iran until its leaders and representatives can reach a unified proposal."

This development comes amid continued military tensions in the Gulf region, where the United States imposed a naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, prompting an Iranian reaction to re-close the strait just one day after it was opened. The maritime friction reached its peak with the U.S. seizure of an Iranian ship early Monday morning. In response, Tehran announced through Pakistani channels that its delegation would not travel to Islamabad on Wednesday to participate in the second round of negotiations.

The ceasefire extension led to the postponement of Vice President J.D. Vance's visit to Islamabad, casting uncertainty over the second round of talks. Diplomatic sources indicate that Iran maintains its strategy of "no concessions under threat," while Trump keeps the military option on the table. The world is holding its breath awaiting the next move that could determine the fate of the entire region.