Trump Acknowledges Pakistan PM’s Request for Iran Deadline Extension

President Donald Trump has responded cautiously to Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s appeal for a two-week extension of the US deadline on Iran, describing Sharif as “a highly respected man” while noting he is not yet fully briefed on the proposal.

“I’m not yet fully briefed. I can say this, I know him very well. He’s a highly respected man, all over,” Trump said when asked about Sharif’s request.
The Pakistani leader had urged Trump to extend the deadline for Iran to fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz, while also calling on Tehran to open the strategic waterway for two weeks as a “goodwill gesture” and for all parties to observe a ceasefire to allow diplomacy to progress.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that the President has been informed of the proposal.
“The President has been made aware of the proposal, and a response will come,” Leavitt said in a statement.

The comments come as Trump’s latest deadline, set for 8 p.m. EDT Tuesday (0000 GMT Wednesday), approaches. Iran faces potential US military escalation, including strikes on infrastructure, if the strait remains closed to international shipping.

The narrow chokepoint between Iran and Oman carries about 20% of global oil trade and significant LNG volumes. Its restriction has driven up energy prices worldwide.

Pakistan has positioned itself as an active mediator in the crisis, leveraging relations with both Washington and Tehran. Sharif’s proposal aims to create a temporary de-escalation window for broader negotiations on sanctions relief, nuclear issues, and regional security.

Trump has previously extended similar deadlines multiple times and has maintained strong rhetoric, warning of severe consequences if Iran does not comply. However, he has also indicated openness to a deal.

No immediate decision on the extension has been announced, and Iranian officials have not yet publicly responded to Sharif’s appeal. Markets and regional capitals are closely monitoring developments as the deadline nears.

The situation remains fluid, with diplomatic channels reportedly still active behind the scenes.