• Trump agrees to extend US-Iran ceasefire by 3-5 days, giving diplomacy a last chance.
  • Iranian officials have yet to confirm talks; military action looms if no deal within days.
  • Pakistan mediates as global energy markets brace for potential disruption.

President Donald Trump has agreed to a brief extension of the ceasefire with Iran, offering a final diplomatic window before possible military strikes on the country's nuclear facilities. Late Thursday, Trump told reporters he had agreed to give "a couple of days" for negotiations, confirming the extension to Pakistani mediators who have been shuttling between the two sides. According to people familiar with the matter, the truce will last three to five days rather than being open-ended.

The decision came after intense debate within Trump's inner circle, with some advisors pushing for large-scale strikes on Iran's energy infrastructure. Trump ultimately chose to delay military action, telling reporters, "It's possible" a breakthrough could occur. But the clock is ticking: if Iranian officials, particularly Mojtaba Khamenei, do not confirm arrangements for talks within 24 to 48 hours, the military option returns to the table.

Iran's position remains unclear. While Palestinian mediators expressed optimism that negotiations could begin within 36 to 72 hours, Iranian officials have yet to publicly commit. The stakes are high: failure to reach a deal could trigger US airstrikes on Iran's nuclear and energy facilities, risking a broader regional conflict and threatening global energy supplies via the Strait of Hormuz.

The extension marks a critical juncture in the nuclear crisis, which began when Trump gave Iran a 10-15 day ultimatum in February to agree to a nuclear deal. Pakistan's mediation role has been key, but divisions within Iran's leadership may complicate negotiations. Israel is also closely monitoring the situation, with regional sources indicating that Khamenei's next move will be decisive.

Global markets are on edge. Oil prices have already risen on the prospect of supply disruptions, and a failure of diplomacy could send them soaring. For now, the world waits to see if Iran will seize this final opportunity.

Correction: An earlier version of this article incorrectly stated the extension was indefinite. It has been updated to reflect the 3-5 day timeframe.