US President Donald Trump has announced an extension of the ceasefire with Iran, maintaining pressure on Tehran as Washington continues its naval blockade of Iranian ports. The extension, he said, will remain in place until Iran submits a proposal for talks and 'discussions are concluded, one way or the other". Iran has strongly criticised the move, with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warning that "blockading Iranian ports is an act of war and thus a violation of the ceasefire". He added that Tehran knows "how to resist bullying".
Despite tensions, analysts say Iran's leadership appears unified in its negotiating stance. Maria Sultan, director general of the South Asian Strategic Stability Institute, rejected claims of internal divisions, stating: "I would beg to differ with the characterisation that it is fractured."
"On the core agenda, what they want to achieve and how they want to move forward, there seems to be unanimity of thought within the Iranian leadership," Sultan said, describing decision-making as increasingly" consensus-based, more communicative, and more inclusive".
Diplomatic efforts are intensifying, with Pakistan playing a central mediating role. The Sultan warned that without the ceasefire extension, "we would have seen an instant spike in the military situation in the Gulf".
She added that rising tensions could have further destabilised the Strait of Hormuz, where US military presence has increased. "If there are no negotiations, war is perhaps the only option left between the two," she said.
Still, she expressed cautious optimism, noting: "We are still very hopeful that negotiations will commence within the next 24 to 48 hours." She stressed that both sides understand "the cost of the next stage of war would be catastrophic".
However, uncertainty remains over whether talks will take place soon. Pakistan officials have confirmed ongoing consultations, but Tehran has yet to commit to attending negotiations in Islamabad.
Key sticking points include the US blockade of Iranian ports, tensions in Lebanon, and disagreements over uranium enrichment. Observers say Iran is unlikely to engage unless Washington eases its maritime restrictions.
Meanwhile, planned diplomatic engagements have stalled. US Vice President JD Vance has postponed a visit to Islamabad, signalling further delays in restarting formal negotiations.
On the ground, the broader regional conflict continues to escalate. Israeli strikes in Lebanon and Gaza have resulted in casualties, with both Israel and Hezbollah accusing each other of violating ceasefire terms.
In the Strait of Hormuz, tensions remain high after reports that Iranian forces fired on a commercial vessel, causing significant damage. The waterway remains a critical chokepoint for global energy supplies, with Gulf nations warning of severe economic consequences if disruptions persist.
Iranian officials have also dismissed the ceasefire extension as strategic manoeuvring. A senior adviser described it as “certainly a ploy to buy time for a surprise strike”, adding that continued pressure “must be met with a military response”.
Economic ripple effects are already visible, with global oil markets fluctuating and countries seeking alternative supply routes. Increased demand for US crude has been reported as shipping through the Gulf remains constrained.
As diplomatic efforts continue behind closed doors, the path forward remains uncertain. While the ceasefire extension has temporarily averted escalation, deep divisions and mutual distrust continue to threaten any lasting resolution.
