TEHRAN – Iran has signaled it is willing to consider a temporary ceasefire while the United States threatens military action, as Pakistan appeals for a two-week extension to a critical deadline set by President Donald Trump.
A senior Iranian official told reporters that Tehran is reviewing Pakistan’s request for a ceasefire. The official added that Iran is prepared for both peace and war depending on how negotiations unfold.
Israel has reported the possibility of increased attacks from Iranian-backed forces in the coming hours. The Israeli military said it is ready to operate defensively and offensively. 
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif asked Trump to extend the deadline, describing diplomatic efforts as “progressing steadily, strongly and powerfully.” The White House confirmed that Trump has been informed of the proposal and will respond.
Iranian sources said that exchanges with the United States through mediators are ongoing, but no agreement has been reached. Some reports indicate direct and indirect talks have stalled, leaving the situation uncertain.
The conflict has already sparked protests, with demonstrators storming the Kuwaiti consulate in Basra, Iraq, after rockets fired from Kuwait hit nearby homes, killing three people and injuring five others.
Iranian media warned citizens in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Bahrain to avoid bridges and roads in areas designated as closed military zones starting 11 p.m. local time.
International reaction has been strong. Pope Leo called threats against Iran “unacceptable” and urged citizens to advocate for peace. Iran’s U.N. ambassador, Amir Saeid Iravani, described Trump’s rhetoric as “deeply irresponsible” and “profoundly alarming,” while a U.N. spokesperson noted that attacks on civilian infrastructure cannot be justified under international law.
