Pakistan asks Trump to extend Iran ultimatum by two weeks

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif requested Tuesday that U.S. President Donald Trump extend by two weeks his ultimatum for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, as the deadline approached with negotiations ongoing and military strikes continuing.

Sharif said on social media that diplomatic efforts were "progressing steadily, strongly and powerfully with the potential to lead to substantive results." He urged Trump to allow the two-week extension to permit diplomacy to advance. Sharif also asked Iran to reopen the waterway as a gesture of good faith during the extended period.

Trump's original deadline was set for 8 p.m. Eastern time Tuesday. The president said on Fox News that he was engaged in "intense negotiations" with Iran four hours before the deadline. Trump issued a threat that a "whole civilization will die tonight" if Iran did not comply with his demands.

Pakistan has been acting as a mediator in the conflict. Regional diplomats are working toward an agreement provisionally called the "Islamabad Agreement." Negotiations are now proceeding through mediators after Iran cut off direct talks with the United States following Trump's threats.

Iran had proposed a 10-point plan that included an end to hostilities and lifting of sanctions. The United States and Israel conducted strikes on Iranian infrastructure, including bridges, railroads, and the country's main oil export hub. Iran responded by attacking a Saudi petrochemical complex.

Sharif called on all parties to observe a two-week ceasefire to allow diplomatic efforts to proceed. The extension request came as conflicting reports emerged about last-minute negotiations and the status of discussions between the parties.