Trump Extends Iran Ceasefire at Shehbaz Sharif, Asim Munir Request

Web Desk
April 22, 2026

WASHINGTON – United States President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday that he has extended the ceasefire with Iran at the personal request of Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir , giving diplomacy another chance while maintaining maximum pressure through a continued naval blockade.

In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump made it clear that the extension was granted as a personal favor to Pakistan’s leadership.

“I have extended the ceasefire with Iran. I am doing this at the request of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir of Pakistan. They are requesting an extension until the conclusion of the new talks,” Trump wrote.

Ceasefire Extended, Blockade Remains

The US President confirmed that he has ordered American forces to halt strikes on Iran for the duration of the new negotiations. However, he made one critical exception:

“The naval blockade of Iranian ports will continue,” Trump stated emphatically.

Trump explained his strategic reasoning:

“If I lift the blockade, a deal with Iran will never be possible. Iran wants the blockade lifted so it can earn $500 million per day. Iran has closed the Strait of Hormuz because I have blockaded its ports.”

He added a stark warning: “If we lift the blockade, the only way a deal happens is if we destroy Iran and eliminate its entire leadership.”

‘We Are Holding All Cards’

Trump reiterated his belief that the United States holds a dominant position in the negotiations.

“We have destroyed their navy, their air force, and their leadership. They have no choice but to negotiate. We are holding all the cards,” he said.

Shehbaz Sharif Thanks Trump

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif responded swiftly, expressing gratitude for the US President’s decision. In a post on X, he wrote:

“Thank you, President Trump, for extending the ceasefire at my and Field Marshal Asim Munir’s request. This will greatly assist the ongoing diplomatic process aimed at peace and stability in the region. Your gracious acceptance of the request for ceasefire extension will greatly help in promoting peace. I am grateful to you on my own and the Field Marshal’s behalf.”

The Prime Minister also tagged Iranian leadership in his post, signaling continued trilateral engagement.

Pakistan’s Mediating Role

The extension marks another diplomatic victory for Pakistan, which has positioned itself as the indispensable mediator between Washington and Tehran. Islamabad hosted the first round of direct US-Iran talks earlier this month and is currently facilitating a second round at a “secret location” in the capital.

The current ceasefire was originally set to expire on April 22. With Trump’s extension, the truce will remain in effect until the conclusion of the ongoing negotiations.

Iran’s Position

Iran has consistently demanded the lifting of the naval blockade as a precondition for any final agreement. Tehran’s leadership has also insisted on the right to maintain a peaceful nuclear program under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).

Trump’s refusal to lift the blockade suggests that significant gaps remain between the two sides, despite the diplomatic momentum.