US President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire with Iran through his social media platform Truth Social, crediting Pakistan’s leadership for playing a key role in securing the pause in hostilities as diplomatic efforts continue.
In his post, Trump said the ceasefire decision was taken “at the request of Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir,” adding that it was intended to create space for ongoing negotiations. He described the move as part of efforts to reduce tensions and give diplomacy a chance to succeed.
The announcement comes at a critical moment, with a fragile ceasefire nearing its deadline and uncertainty surrounding the next round of talks between Washington and Tehran.
Pakistan Welcomes Ceasefire, Highlights Mediation Role
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif responded on X, thanking Trump for accepting Pakistan’s request and extending the ceasefire.
“On my personal behalf and on behalf of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, I sincerely thank President Trump for graciously accepting our request to extend the ceasefire to allow ongoing diplomatic efforts to take their course,” the prime minister said.
He reiterated that Pakistan would continue its efforts to facilitate dialogue between the United States and Iran, expressing hope that negotiations could lead to a long-term resolution.
Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar also welcomed the development, calling it a positive outcome of Pakistan’s diplomatic engagement and a reflection of its growing role in promoting regional stability.
White House Cautious as Talks Hang in Balance
While confirming the ceasefire, the White House signaled caution about the future of negotiations, indicating that further talks would depend on Iran’s participation and progress on key issues.
Officials noted that a planned visit by US negotiators to Islamabad remains under review, amid uncertainty over whether Tehran will join the next round of discussions.
Iran has taken a more guarded stance, raising concerns over US conditions, sanctions and military actions, which it says must be addressed before meaningful negotiations can proceed.
Ceasefire Buys Time but Key Gaps Persist
The ceasefire extension is seen as a temporary measure aimed at preventing escalation while allowing both sides to continue diplomatic engagement. However, major differences remain over core issues, including sanctions relief, regional security arrangements and maritime restrictions.
Analysts say Pakistan’s role as a mediator has gained prominence, with Islamabad hosting earlier rounds of talks and maintaining communication channels between both sides.
Despite some signs of progress, experts caution that the path to a final agreement remains complex, with both Washington and Tehran holding firm on key demands.
With the ceasefire deadline approaching, the coming days will be crucial in determining whether the diplomatic process can deliver a breakthrough or if tensions could rise again.
