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US President Donald Trump says the United States will extend a ceasefire with Iran, at Pakistan’s request, and continue military blockades of Iranian ports.
Donald Trump’s announcement that he has agreed to extend the ceasefire with Iran indefinitely is a significant change compared to his position a few hours ago.
Trump said via social media, “given that the Iranian government is deeply divided, which was not expected to be different, and following the request of Field Marshal Asim Munir and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan, we have been asked to pause our attack on the country of Iran until such time as their leaders and representatives are able to present a joint proposal.”
He added; “Therefore, I have directed our military to continue the blockade, and in all other respects, to remain fully prepared. Therefore, I will extend the ceasefire until their proposal is presented and the negotiations are concluded, in any case.”
Earlier, speaking to CNBC, Trump said he “expects we will be attacking” and that the military was “fully prepared to go.” He also repeated his threat to destroy all bridges and power plants in Iran.
However, just hours before the original ceasefire was due to expire, he agreed to an indefinite ceasefire. Throughout the crisis, Trump has tried to use threats against the Iranian government with harsh rhetoric. Now it seems clear that he does not want to resume attacks on Iran.
Pakistan PM thanks Trump for extending ceasefire
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has thanked US President Donald Trump after he announced an indefinite extension of the ceasefire shortly before the original deadline expired.
“I sincerely thank President Trump for accepting our request to extend the ceasefire to allow ongoing diplomatic efforts to take their course,” he says in an online statement.
“With the existing trust and confidence, Pakistan will continue its sincere efforts for the resolution of disputes through dialogue,” the statement added.
“I sincerely hope that both sides will continue to adhere to the ceasefire and be able to conclude a comprehensive ‘Peace Agreement’ during the second round of talks scheduled to be held in Islamabad for a permanent end to the conflict.”
By: BBC
