US Iran Ceasefire News highlights: Ceasefire extended, military on standby, blockade to continue

Netanyahu referred to Israeli military actions aimed at countering Iran’s nuclear and missile capabilities.

“We have launched two bold operations to remove an existential threat from above us,” he said, referencing Iran’s nuclear programme and ballistic missile development.

He also named specific campaigns: “In Operation Rising Lion and Operation Roaring Lion, we made major achievements.”

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu directly referred to Iran and its regional influence as a central security threat.

“The Iranian axis of evil, which plotted to destroy us, is now fighting for its very survival,” Netanyahu said.

He added that Israel had already inflicted significant damage on Iran’s regional network: “In the War of Revival, we smashed major parts of Iran’s axis.”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel is “stronger than ever” and praised its partnership with the United States, as he delivered Independence Day address in Jerusalem.

“Israel is stronger than ever, and together with the United States, we are leading the fight against the forces of evil in the world,” he said.

He described Israel’s enemies as part of a recurring historical pattern of attempts to destroy the Jewish people, saying each generation faces such threats.

Trump confirmed that US military operations will remain on hold for now, but forces remain in a heightened state of readiness.

“I have therefore directed our Military to continue the Blockade and, in all other respects, remain ready and able,” he said.

He also said the ceasefire would remain in place until diplomatic discussions are concluded.

“[We] will therefore extend the Ceasefire until such time as their proposal is submitted, and discussions are concluded, one way or the other,” the statement added.

In a formal statement, Trump said the pause in military action followed a request from Pakistan’s civilian and military leadership.

“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,” Trump said.

He added that Islamabad’s intervention was aimed at allowing Tehran space to present a unified negotiating position.

US President Donald Trump said he has extended the ceasefire with Iran and paused a planned military strike, citing internal divisions within Tehran and a request from Pakistan’s top leadership, according to an official statement issued by him.

The decision comes amid escalating tensions in the region and ongoing efforts to restart stalled negotiations over Iran’s nuclear programme and maritime restrictions.

Iran foreign minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi wrote on X: "Blockading Iranian ports is an act of war and thus a violation of the ceasefire. Striking a commercial vessel and taking its crew hostage is an even greater violation. Iran knows how to neutralize restrictions, how to defend its interests, and how to resist bullying."

US President Donald Trump met Vice President JD Vance, special envoy Steve Witkoff and his son-in-law Jared Kushner at the White House to discuss next steps in the Iran situation, according to a source familiar with the discussions, as reported by NBC News.

The meeting comes at a sensitive moment as diplomatic efforts to sustain a ceasefire with Iran remain uncertain and the situation continues to evolve rapidly.

The source, speaking to NBC News, said the discussions were focused on possible pathways forward but stressed that the situation “remained incredibly fluid,” with no final decisions announced.

Cyprus says its offer to host direct Israel–Lebanon talks remains on the table.

President Nikos Christodoulides made the statement in an interview with The Associated Press (AP).

He said Cyprus is ready to facilitate talks between the two sides if needed.

Christodoulides cited Cyprus’s “excellent relations” and trust across the region.

He said the proposal will be discussed with Lebanon’s president during an upcoming EU summit.

The EU summit is scheduled to take place later this week.

A key sticking point remains control and access to the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil route.

Iran’s envoy to the UN, Amir Saeid Iravani, said Tehran had received signals that the US may ease its blockade, but Washington has made no public commitment.

Ending the blockade remains a “condition” for Iran’s return to talks, he said. (AP)

Gen. Majid Mousavi, IRGC aerospace chief, warned against any “aggression” targeting Iran in remarks to Iranian media.

He said it would be a “mistake” to carry out military action against Iran.

Mousavi cautioned that regional oil infrastructure could be hit in case of escalation.

He warned neighboring countries against allowing the US to use their facilities for attacks on Iran.

“If southern neighbors allow the enemy to use their facilities to attack Iran, they should say goodbye to oil production in the Middle East region,” he said.

Pakistani leadership engaged in intensive late-night mediation efforts to secure second-round ceasefire talks, as per AP.

Key people involved:

Shehbaz Sharif, Asim Munir, Ishaq Dar, Pakistan Prime Minister’s national security adviser

Efforts focused on ensuring Iran’s participation in talks in Islamabad

Iran has reportedly delayed sending its delegation

Iranian state TV, citing the judiciary-linked Mizan News Agency, denied US President Donald Trump’s claims that detained women face execution

The state media said the women are not facing capital punishment, contradicting Trump’s statement

Iranian sources said some of the detained women have already been released, and others are still facing legal charges in ongoing court proceedings

If convicted, the cases would reportedly lead to prison sentences, not execution, it said.

The report did not specify which individuals were released or the details of their cases

JD Vance’s planned trip to Islamabad put on hold

Visit aimed at pressing Iran for a nuclear deal

Delay due to lack of response from Iran on US negotiating positions

Information confirmed by a US official with direct knowledge, NYT reported.

Trip not cancelled but effectively paused

Vance was scheduled to depart Tuesday morning

Talks in Islamabad were expected to resume on Wednesday

Timing critical as US-Iran ceasefire set to expire the same day

Iran described as “fully prepared” for renewed war as ceasefire nears expiry

Preparation includes military relocations and operational readiness measures

Authorities have reportedly drawn up a list of potential targets

Tasnim report mentions readiness for “new surprises” in a fresh round of conflict

Pakistan’s information minister Attaullah Tarar says Iran has not yet confirmed participation in talks

-says Pakistan still awaiting a “formal response” from the Iranian side

-emphasises that Iran’s decision to attend talks is “critical” before ceasefire ends

JD Vance remains in Washington, D.C., participating in policy meetings at the White House on Wednesday morning

Information confirmed by a White House official speaking on condition of anonymity, AP reported.

No confirmation yet on Vance’s planned trip to Pakistan

Uncertainty clouds US delegation participation in Pakistan-hosted talks, raises doubts over progress of US-Iran negotiations

“Today we also reach the political agreement to widen our sanctions regime, to also target those responsible for breaches to freedom of navigation,” said European Union’s foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas in Luxembourg.

“Freedom of navigation is non-negotiable. Daily U-turns where the Strait of Hormuz is open or closed, are reckless. Transit through the strait must remain free of charge,” she said, referring to Iran’s charging for safe passage on the Strait of Hormuz.

Despite earlier indications that US and Iranian delegations would travel to Islamabad for a second round of talks, there was no visible movement on Tuesday.

US Vice President JD Vance was expected to lead the American delegation, with reports also suggesting participation by envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. However, no official confirmation of their departure was available.

Pakistan’s Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said Islamabad was still awaiting Iran’s response.

“Decision from Iran to attend the talks before the end of the two-week ceasefire is critical,” he said, noting the truce expires at 4:50 am PST Wednesday.

US President Trump, speaking to CNBC, made clear he is prepared to escalate if talks fail before the deadline.

“I expect to be bombing because I think that's a better attitude to go in with,” he said.