Trump extends ceasefire but admits killing Iran’s leaders has ‘made things complicated’

Donald Trump has extended the ceasefire with Iran but the US president refused to lift his blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.

The move comes as the deadline loomed on the fragile truce after proposed talks in Islamabad were put on hold, amid tensions over the ongoing stand-off.

The president made the move even as the White House has put on hold Vice President JD Vance’s expected trip to Islamabad for a second round of talks as Tehran, at least for the time being, is balking at further talks.

Writing on Truth Social, Mr Trump said: ‘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.

‘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 has repeatedly said his team is dealing with Iranian officials who want to make a deal, while acknowledging his decision to kill several top leaders has come with some complications.

‘We’ve taken out their leaders, frankly, which does complicate things in one way, but these leaders are much more rational,’ Trump said earlier Tuesday during an interview on CNBC.

Trump has already pleaded with Iran to release eight women who are set to be executed after anti-regime protests.

Taking to Truth Social, he wrote: ‘To the Iranian leaders, who will soon be in negotiations with my representatives: I would greatly appreciate the release of these women.

‘I am sure that they will respect the fact that you did so. Please do them no harm! Would be a great start to our negotiations!!!’

Not all of the women in the photo have been identified, but one is confirmed to be Bita Hemmati, a protester who was arrested after campaigning against the government in January.

She’s accused of using explosives and weapons, throwing objects, participating in protests and ‘disrupting national security.

Diana Taherabadi, 16, is also featured in the photo. She was detained in February for taking part in protests.

Mahboudeh Shabani, 33, and Ensieh Nejati are also featured. All of the women in the photo are facing death by hanging for their part in anti-regime protests.

Trump has signalled that sparing the women from death could aid Iran in upcoming peace talks, which are reaching the 11th hour before his’deadline’ of 8pm Washington time tomorrow.

But the fate of those arrested in Iran in January and February’s anti-regime protests is hanging in the balance.

Previously, a shopkeeper who was on the brink of being executed in Iran for his role in the anti-regime protests was released on bail after Trump threatened to attack the country.

Erfan Soltani, 26, faced the death penalty after being detained during mass protests in January.

Iranian authorities appeared to make a U-turn after the President threatened to strike the country if they executed prisoners, but this was before the war began.

Last-minute talks between the United States and Iran are looking increasingly uncertain, as both countries warned that without a deal, they were prepared to resume fighting.

U.S. Vice President JD Vance, expected to lead US negotiators if talks continue in Pakistan, remained in Washington on Tuesday, a White House official said.

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