Trump announces Iran ceasefire extension but says blockade remains

US President Donald Trump has announced an extension to the ceasefire with Iran, stating that the US military will hold off its planned attack until Iranian leaders submit a unified proposal to end the war. The truce was set to expire on Wednesday but was extended at the request of Pakistani mediators. Trump's statement suggests that the truce's extension is open-ended from the US side, without specifying a deadline. Iran has not issued an immediate response, with its position to be officially announced later. The move comes after hours of conflicting statements from the White House, which had previously signaled opposition to extending the truce. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed gratitude for Trump's agreement, saying Islamabad will continue to push for a negotiated settlement to the conflict.

Following a U.S.-Israeli bombardment that killed Iran's Supreme Leader and other top officials, the country's leadership has not collapsed, but faces challenges in upcoming negotiations to end the war. The Supreme National Security Council, a politburo-like body, now appears to be in charge, led by parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf. The council includes top civilian and military officials. While they currently present a united front, disagreements over concessions in negotiations with the United States could expose internal divisions. Pakistani mediators are attempting to host a new round of talks this week. The absence and uncertain role of the new Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, further complicates the situation.