US-Iran war updates: Donald Trump extends ceasefire, maintains US blockade on Iranian ports

If you are just joining us, welcome to our live coverage of the conflict in the Middle East.

Here is a recap of the latest developments:

• US President Donald Trump has agreed to extend the ceasefire with Iran, but will continue the US blockade on Iranian ports
• Iran has refused to join peace talks until the United States lifts the blockade on its ports
• Two IDF soldiers detained over toppling and striking of the Jesus statue in Lebanon.

Stay with us as we bring you the latest updates as the situation continues to evolve.

Donald Trump has received thanks from Pakistan’s prime minister, Shehbaz Sharif, for accepting their request to extend the ceasefire.

Mr Sharif said that the ceasefire will “allow ongoing diplomatic efforts to take their course”.

An adviser to Iran’s parliamentary speaker has accused US President Donald Trump of using the ceasefire extension as a “ploy to buy time” for a potential surprise strike, as tensions remain high despite the temporary pause in hostilities.

In a post on X, the adviser to Mohammad Qalibaf said the continuation of the US blockade on Iranian ports was “no different from bombardment and must be met with a military response”, signalling hardening rhetoric from figures linked to Iran’s Revolutionary Guards as negotiations remain uncertain.

Donald Trump’s decision to extend the ceasefire comes as reports emerged that Iran would not attend proposed peace talks in Islamabad, casting doubt over the prospects of negotiations in the coming days.

Iran’s IRGC-affiliated Tasnim news agency reported Tehran had made a “final decision” not to join the talks, with officials allegedly informing the United States through Pakistani mediators that they saw little chance of progress while the blockade on Iranian ports remains in place.

According to Axios, senior figures within Iran’s Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) had been pressuring negotiators to boycott the talks unless the US lifted the blockade.

An American official also told the New York Times the Trump administration wanted assurances that any Iranian representatives attending negotiations would have the authority to make binding decisions on a potential agreement.

Israel’s military has removed two soldiers from combat duty and placed them in military detention for 30 days after they destroyed a crucifix in southern Lebanon, it says.

A picture that showed an Israeli soldier taking the blunt side of an axe to a fallen sculpture of Jesus on the cross drew widespread condemnation on Monday from Israeli politicians, the United States and church leaders.

It was posted by Younis Tirawi, a Palestinian reporter who has also posted images of Israeli soldiers’ apparent misconduct in the Gaza Strip.

A military statement said an investigation into the incident showed that one soldier damaged a Christian religious symbol while another photographed the act.

Six other soldiers had been present without taking action or interfering, according to the statement.

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US President Donald Trump says the United States will extend its ceasefire with Iran while maintaining the blockade on Iranian ports, as negotiations continue over a possible resolution to the escalating conflict.

Mr Trump said the decision followed a request from Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir, who has been central to mediation efforts between Washington and Tehran.

In a post on Truth Social, Mr Trump said the US would delay further military action to allow Iran’s leadership time to present a unified proposal.

“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.”