President Donald Trump extended the U.S.–Iran ceasefire for three to five days [1] at the request of Pakistan.

The extension aims to prevent further military escalation and provide a window for diplomatic negotiations. This occurs as tensions peak in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global energy transit.

Earlier this month, the situation deteriorated after Iran seized two ships [2] in the Strait of Hormuz. The maritime instability contributed to a 1% increase in global crude oil prices [3].

Trump responded to the volatility with a direct warning regarding Iranian naval activity. "We will shoot and kill any Iranian boats that are laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz," Trump said.

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth reinforced this stance, and said that U.S. forces will shoot to destroy any ships laying mines in the region. The U.S. military maintains a high state of alert to protect commercial shipping lanes from such hazards.

Pakistan urged the short extension to facilitate peace talks between the warring parties. "We are extending the ceasefire with Iran for three to five days at Pakistan's request," Trump said.

Reports on the stability of the truce have been mixed. Some updates indicate the ceasefire holds for now, while other reports suggest the agreement is faltering.

“"We will shoot and kill any Iranian boats that are laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz."”

The brief extension reflects a fragile diplomatic attempt to avoid a full-scale naval war in one of the world's most important oil chokepoints. By granting Pakistan's request, the U.S. is testing whether regional intermediaries can stabilize the situation, even as the administration maintains a 'shoot-to-kill' policy to deter the mining of international waters.