Hours after US President Donald Trump said in an interview that he did not want to extend the ceasefire with Iran, he announced the extension, citing Pakistan’s request while awaiting a “unified proposal” from Tehran.
In an interview on Tuesday with CNBC, Trump denied plans to extend the ceasefire and said that the US was in a strong negotiating position and would end up with what he called “a great deal.”
“I don’t want to do that. We don’t have that much time,” Trump said when asked about the possibility of extending the ceasefire.
But later on Tuesday, Trump annouced the ceasefire with Iran, on the request of Pakistan, but added that US’ blockade of Iranian ports will continue. He said that the ceasefire will continue till Iran ‘come up with a unified proposal’.
The extension of the ceasefire comes at a time when uncertainties have surrounded the second round of peace talks in Pakistan as White House confirmed that JD Vance won’t be visiting Islamabad.
Meanwhile, there was no response early on Wednesday to Trump’s announcement from senior Iranian officials, although some initial reactions from Tehran suggested Trump’s comments were being treated sceptically, Reuters reported.
