President Trump says he's holding off on attacking Iran, but not loosening his grip at sea. In a Truth Social post Tuesday, the president said he is prolonging a ceasefire with Iran at Pakistan's request while keeping a naval blockade on the country's ports in place, NBC News reports. The ceasefire had been set to expire Wednesday.
- "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," Trump wrote.
- "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."
Earlier Tuesday, Trump said he didn't want to extend the ceasefire, adding that the military is "raring to go" if no deal with Iran is reached. A planned visit to Pakistan by Vice President JD Vance, intended for possible talks involving Iranian officials, is now in limbo, sources tell NBC and the New York Times. It's not clear if or when he will travel to Islamabad. Trump met at the White House on Tuesday with Vance, special envoy Steve Witkoff, and adviser Jared Kushner to hash out next steps, with NBC's source describing the situation as "extremely fluid." An Iranian foreign ministry spokesman said Tehran will only join negotiations if officials decide they will yield results, the AP reports.
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