Trump's announcement came after an expected trip by Vice President JD Vance to Pakistan for a peace talks with Iranian officials was put on hold.

The United States and Iran have signalled they will hold a new round of ceasefire talks in Pakistan, two regional officials said Tuesday, as leaders on both sides warned they were prepared for more fighting if a fragile two-week truce expires without a deal.

The extension was announced just hours before it was set to expire. The president did not provide details on how long the new ceasefire extension will last.

Trump appears keen to reach a deal to end the war, which is unpopular with Americans, as he deploys both pressure and diplomacy, analysts say.

The violence jeopardised the fragile truce between Iran and the US while the two sides considered a deal to end the fighting

As President Trump again voices optimism that Iran will "make a deal" to end the war, Tehran declares itself the regulator of Strait of Hormuz shipping.

Trump will return to China for a summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping at which the two leaders are expected to discuss tariffs, the Iran war and China’s claim to