WASHINGTON/ISLAMABAD – US President Donald Trump has announced a halt to planned military strikes on Iran, saying the decision was made following a request from Pakistan’s leadership.
In a message shared on social media, President Trump stated that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir asked the United States to “hold our attack on Country if Iran” until a consensus proposal from the Iranian leadership is presented. He said the request emphasized allowing space for diplomatic engagement.
Taking to Truth Social, Trump wrote: “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,” he concluded.
Meanwhile, the announcement drew a sharp response from Iran. Mehdi Mohammadi, an adviser to the Speaker of the Iranian Parliament, rejected the extension of the ceasefire, calling it insignificant.
In a statement posted on social media, Mohammadi said the ongoing blockade against Iran is equivalent to bombardment and argued that it should be met with a military response.
The contrasting positions highlight continuing tensions despite the temporary pause in direct military action.
