US President Donald Trump said he opposes extending the ceasefire with Iran, arguing that Washington remains in a “strong negotiating position” and is capable of securing what he described as a “great deal,” as signs mount that planned talks in Pakistan are stalling ahead of the truce deadline.
Speaking to CNBC on Tuesday, Trump dismissed the idea of prolonging the ceasefire, saying: “I don’t want that. We don’t have time,” underscoring the narrow window before the Pakistan-brokered two-week truce expires.
His remarks came after a post on his Truth Social platform in which he accused Iran of violating the ceasefire “many times,” just hours before the agreement’s scheduled end, amid faltering diplomatic momentum.
Tehran signalled it would not send a delegation to Islamabad, stating that participation in any talks remains conditional on several demands, most notably the lifting of what it describes as a US naval blockade on its ports. Washington recently seized an Iranian oil tanker in the Gulf of Oman after boarding the vessel.
Trump had earlier indicated that extending the ceasefire would be “very unlikely” without a deal, adding that the Strait of Hormuz would remain under blockade until an agreement is reached.
Iranian media, citing an informed source, reported that Tehran has raised military readiness and prepared “new surprises” in the event of renewed conflict, including updated target lists and rapid-response plans.
Senior officials reinforced that stance. General Ali Abdollahi said the armed forces are ready to respond “firmly and immediately” to any escalation, while judiciary chief Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei warned that the likelihood of renewed attacks is “not small.”
In a symbolic move, Iran’s military announced that an oil tanker had safely reached its waters despite US threats, underscoring Tehran’s determination to maintain maritime access amid heightened tensions.
On the US side, Axios reported that Vice President JD Vance may travel to Islamabad alongside senior envoys, including Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, although their departure has yet to be confirmed.
International actors have urged renewed diplomacy. Germany called on Iran to engage in “constructive talks,” while Qatar confirmed ongoing contacts with Washington and Islamabad in an effort to support negotiations.
