On the extension of the Iran ceasefire, Pakistan has expressed strong support for continued diplomatic efforts, following a request made by Islamabad. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif thanked US President Donald Trump for agreeing to extend the ceasefire, allowing the ongoing negotiations to proceed without interruption. The extension comes ahead of the second round of peace talks, which Pakistan hopes will lead to a comprehensive peace deal to end the conflict.
In a post on X, Prime Minister Sharif expressed gratitude to President Trump, stating that the extension would allow time for Tehran to submit a unified proposal. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to supporting a peaceful resolution to the conflict and expressed optimism about the upcoming discussions.
The US initially launched a joint bombing campaign against Iran in late February, which escalated into broader regional hostilities, including Iranian activities in the Strait of Hormuz. Pakistan, through its mediation, brokered a two-week ceasefire that had been set to expire on April 22, but was extended at Pakistan’s request.
President Trump confirmed the ceasefire extension, emphasizing that it would remain in effect until Iran submits its proposal, while also maintaining pressure through actions such as the naval blockade on Iran’s ports. The second round of talks is scheduled to take place in Islamabad, with a delegation led by US Vice President JD Vance expected to arrive soon. Iran, however, has yet to confirm its participation in the talks.
The conflict initially began after US and Israeli strikes on Iran, which resulted in increased tensions and attacks across the region. Pakistan continues to facilitate dialogue between the US and Iran, advocating for diplomatic solutions over military action. Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar also stressed the importance of dialogue during meetings with US officials, emphasizing Pakistan’s ongoing role in promoting peace and stability in the region.
