Trump Extends Ceasefire in US-Iran Conflict

President Donald Trump extended a ceasefire in the ongoing US-Iran conflict on Tuesday, citing disarray in Tehran's leadership as a key factor in granting more time for negotiations. The extension, announced amid stalled talks in Islamabad, Pakistan, maintains the US naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and Iranian ports while allowing Iran to formulate a unified proposal. The war, which began with US and Israeli airstrikes on February 28, has already reshaped Iran's power structure, killing Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and several top officials, including Revolutionary Guards chief Mohammad Pakpour.

The strikes targeted key military and political figures, prompting the swift installation of Khamenei's son, Mojtaba Khamenei, as supreme leader on March 8. At 56, Mojtaba has deep ties to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) but has not appeared publicly since his appointment. Iranian state media reports indicate he remains active in decision-making, issuing warnings via broadcast messages about readiness to counter US and Israeli actions in the Strait of Hormuz. Officials attribute his absence to security concerns amid fears of further assassinations, though...