MT Desk: United States President Donald Trump on Wednesday extended the ceasefire with Iran again upon the request of Field Marshal Asim Munir and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, saying it would remain in place until the Islamic republic`s proposal was submitted.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the decision had been taken in the context of the situation in Iran and at the request of the Pakistani leadership.

“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,” he said.

He added that he had directed the US military to maintain its preparedness while continuing the blockade. “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,” Trump said.

PM Shehbaz responded to Trump in a post on X and offered thanks. "On my personal behalf and on behalf of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, I sincerely thank President Trump for graciously accepting our request to extend the ceasefire to allow ongoing diplomatic efforts to take their course.

"With the trust and confidence reposed in, Pakistan shall continue its earnest efforts for negotiated settlement of conflict. "I sincerely hope that both sides will continue to observe the ceasefire and be able to conclude a comprehensive ‘Peace Deal’ during the second round of talks scheduled at Islamabad for a permanent end to the conflict," he said.

Shortly after, Iran`s foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei told state TV that the country had not yet made a decision to attend talks with the US in Pakistan.

"US moves against two Iranian vessels amounted to `piracy at sea and state terrorism`," Baghaei told state TV. At the same time, the US delegation’s planned departure for Pakistan for the second round of face-to-face talks with Iran was delayed due to “additional policy meetings” in Washington, according to US media reports.

Vice President JD Vance, who is expected to travel to Islamabad, remained in Washington to attend the meetings at the White House, said a US official, according to The New York Times. A White House official cited by The Washington Post said the departure was postponed for “additional policy meetings” involving Vance, without specifying a new timeline.