ALBAWABA - U.S. officials revealed that President Donald Trump has decided to extend the ceasefire with Iran in a final attempt to give Tehran a chance to continue negotiating and provide a clear response to U.S. proposals.
According to the report, the extension decision followed a period of confusion within the US administration after Iran's surprise withdrawal from the second planned round of negotiations in Islamabad, Pakistan, despite having previously signaled its willingness to attend, Axios reproted siting three American officials.
Axios added, citing American officials, who explained that Washington now doubts Tehran's ability to reach a unified negotiating position, given the clear division between the political leadership and the negotiating team on one hand, and the Revolutionary Guard on the other.
An Iranian woman walks past an anti-USA and anti-Israel mural, in Tehran on April 21 2026, amid a ceasefire in the region. Photo by ATTA KENARE / AFP
U.S. Vice President JD Vance was scheduled to travel to Islamabad on Tuesday morning, U.S. time, to lead the delegation, but the trip was suspended when Iran backed out at the last minute from sending its delegation.
For how long did Trump extend the ceasefire with Iran?
According to the American website, Axios was informed by the officials that the ceasefire extension is for a limited period of three to five days.
Amid these developments, Trump discussed with his advisors the option of resuming military strikes against Iran, as confirmed by the Wall Street Journal.
However, instead, the U.S. administration decided to maintain military and economic pressure by continuing the naval blockade imposed on Iran, while temporarily extending the ceasefire to allow for the resumption of the diplomatic track, should Iran present a concrete offer.
