The United States has said it has not formally requested an extension of the current ceasefire with Iran, even as officials describe ongoing diplomatic engagements as “productive” amid efforts to end the weeks-long conflict.
Washington’s position comes against a backdrop of conflicting reports over the future of the fragile truce, which is due to expire soon. While some regional actors have suggested that an extension is likely, U.S. officials insist no formal request has been made, emphasizing instead that discussions with Iranian counterparts are continuing through multiple diplomatic channels.
Despite the uncertainty, there are growing indications that negotiations are gaining momentum. U.S. and Iranian officials, working with mediators from countries including Pakistan, Egypt and Turkey, are reportedly edging closer to a framework agreement that could pave the way for a broader and more lasting peace deal.
The talks follow earlier high-level negotiations in Islamabad that ended without a breakthrough, highlighting deep divisions on key issues such as Iran’s nuclear programme and regional security arrangements. However, both sides have kept communication lines open, with additional meetings and draft proposals under consideration.
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U.S. President Donald Trump has struck an optimistic tone, suggesting the war could be nearing its end and signaling that further negotiations could resume soon.
Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts are intensifying as the ceasefire deadline approaches. Pakistan has taken on a central mediating role, with senior officials shuttling between capitals in what analysts describe as a last-ditch push to prevent a return to full-scale hostilities.
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The ongoing discussions come amid heightened military and economic pressure, including a U.S. naval blockade targeting Iranian trade routes, which has further raised the stakes for both sides to reach an agreement.
Although no formal extension of the ceasefire has been requested, the continuation of talks—and their reportedly constructive tone—suggests both Washington and Tehran may still be seeking a diplomatic off-ramp before the truce expires.
