Washington DC [US], April 22 : US President Donald Trump is giving Iran's "warring factions" a limited window to unify behind a coherent counteroffer, amid ongoing ceasefire tensions, according to a news report by Axios, citing three US officials.
The news report said Trump's decision effectively places a short deadline on Tehran, warning that the current ceasefire extension will not remain "open-ended."
"Trump is willing to give another three to five days of ceasefire to allow the Iranians to get their shit together," one US source briefed on the matter told Axios. It added, "It is not going to be open-ended."
According to the US officials, cited by Axios, the move is aimed at forcing the Iranian leadership to consolidate its negotiating position before the temporarcy truce expires, after which Washington could release its next steps depending on Tehran's response.
Earlier, US President Donald Trump said he had decided to extend the ceasefire with Iran to give its leadership more time to come up with a unified proposal for negotiations.
He said the decision was taken after requests from Pakistan's Army Chief Asim Munir and Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. He said Iran's government appears "seriously fractured" and needs time to present a clear position.
In a post on 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."
Trump added that the US military will continue its blockade and remain ready, while the ceasefire will stay in place until Iran submits its proposal and talks are concluded.
"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. President DONALD J. TRUMP," the post read.
The ceasefire, brokered earlier this month to allow space for diplomatic engagement, has remained fragile, with both sides expressing reservations about its implementation.
Meanwhile, US Vice President JD Vance cancelled his upcoming diplomatic mission to Islamabad for Iran-related negotiations indefinitely, The Wall Street Journal reported. This decision followed President Donald Trump's recent declaration of a "ceasefire extension" and his demand for a "unified proposal" from Tehran.