Islamabad (TDI): Pakistan said on Wednesday that Iran and the United States, along with their respective allies, have agreed to an immediate ceasefire, raising hopes for a pause in weeks of escalating tensions across the Middle East.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif shared the development in an early morning statement, describing the agreement as a positive step toward restoring stability. He thanked both sides for showing “wisdom and understanding” and confirmed that Pakistan has invited delegations from Washington and Tehran to Islamabad on April 10 for further negotiations aimed at reaching a lasting settlement.
Despite the announcement, the White House signaled caution. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt noted that while discussions about direct talks are underway, no final decision has yet been formally approved.
The breakthrough follows intense diplomatic engagement led by Islamabad. US President Donald Trump said he agreed to suspend planned military strikes on Iran for two weeks after speaking with Prime Minister Sharif and Pakistan’s military leadership, including Field Marshal Asim Munir. The pause is conditional on Iran reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route.
Tehran responded by indicating it would halt its defensive operations if attacks against it stopped. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi acknowledged Pakistan’s role, expressing appreciation for its efforts to mediate and reduce tensions.
The proposed ceasefire window is seen as an opportunity to push forward negotiations. According to statements from both sides, preliminary frameworks have already been exchanged, with Iran presenting a 10-point proposal and the US offering its own set of terms.
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Meanwhile, Israel has backed Washington’s decision, supporting a temporary halt in strikes provided Iran complies with the conditions, particularly reopening the Strait and ceasing hostilities.
Pakistan has increasingly positioned itself as a diplomatic bridge in the crisis. Alongside outreach to key regional players, including Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, and Egypt, Islamabad has emphasized dialogue as the only viable path to long-term peace.
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If the planned talks in Islamabad go ahead, they could mark a significant turning point in efforts to defuse one of the most dangerous confrontations in the region in recent years.
