New York: US President Donald Trump unilaterally extended the ceasefire with Iran indefinitely on Tuesday, hours before expiry, despite Tehran boycotting planned talks in Islamabad.
Posting on Truth Social, Trump cited Iran's "seriously fractured" leadership as reason for the extension, urging a unified Tehran approach. Earlier, he threatened on CNBC: "I expect to be bombing Iran" absent a deal.
The announcement sustains fragile hopes amid the naval blockade of Iranian ports and Strait of Hormuz restrictions, choking 20% of global oil and gas. No easing is imminent.
Iran's PressTV quoted officials insisting on blockade removal, rejecting "negotiations under pressure". Tasnim news agency reported Tehran's team notified US via Pakistan it would skip Wednesday's Islamabad session.
Pakistan Information Minister Attaullah Tarar confirmed Iran's absence. US Vice President J.D. Vance delayed his Islamabad trip after the snub.
Trump credited Pakistan's Asim Munir and Shehbaz Sharif for urging restraint "until such time as their leaders and representatives can come up with a unified proposal "—echoing his April 7 ceasefire announcement, stage-managed with Sharif's approved X post.
Tasnim sources said Iran sought no extension: "A continued naval blockade means the continuation of hostilities." Tehran vows force to break it if needed, prioritising Hormuz control.
Trump's terms demand Iran abandon nuclear ambitions, surrender enriched uranium remnants from bombed sites, and dismantle missiles—reviving a deal he claims tops the Obama-era pact he scrapped.
Tehran, hardened by US-Israel strikes killing Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and others, resists. Trump hoped for regime change yielding negotiators like spared Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, but IRGC hardliners dominate.
(Inputs from IANS)