By Shishir Prashant 
PrashantNews
President Donald Trump has extended the ceasefire with Iran for an unspecified period and put on hold the visit of Vice President J D Vance to Islamabad even as Tehran remained belligerent on its demand for the removal of the US blockade of Hormuz.
In fresh incident, a vessel came under attack in the strait of Hormuz early Wednesday, media reports said.
Just hours before the deadline of two-week of the ceasefire was expiring, Trump announced the fresh extension of truce with Iran even as the tension continued to simmer in the region. Trump wrote on social media, “I have…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 (Iran’s) proposal is submitted.”
Diplomatic efforts led by Islamabad were continuing but faced significant hurdles, with both sides adopting hardened positions.
Iran has made it clear that it will not engage in negotiations under pressure, stating that any talks must not resemble “surrender.” Officials indicated openness to dialogue only if the United States ends its policy of military and economic coercion, including a naval blockade and the seizure of Iranian vessels.
At the same time, mediation efforts—primarily led by Pakistan—are attempting to bring both sides back to the table.
On the ground, the situation remains volatile. Iran recently reimposed restrictions on the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil transit route, and reportedly fired on commercial vessels. The move is seen as retaliation against the ongoing US blockade of Iranian ports and has significantly heightened risks to international shipping.
The conflict has already caused heavy casualties and widespread disruption. Global economic repercussions are becoming increasingly evident. Oil prices have surged due to disruptions in supply routes, pushing inflation higher in several countries. In the United Kingdom, for instance, rising fuel costs linked to the conflict have driven inflation upward and triggered concerns about prolonged economic instability.
Meanwhile, the United States has signalled readiness to resume military action if a deal is not reached, even as it keeps channels for negotiation open. Analysts warn that the coming days are critical: failure to extend the ceasefire could lead to a renewed phase of the war, with far-reaching geopolitical and economic consequences.
As the deadline approaches, the world watches closely, with hopes that diplomacy can prevail over escalation in one of the most sensitive regions of the globe.