Arabic version: باكستان تتوسط لوقف إطلاق النار بين الولايات المتحدة وإيران بعد صراع مكثف
In a significant diplomatic achievement, Pakistan has successfully mediated a ceasefire between the United States and Iran, following over six weeks of intense conflict. The announcement came just under 90 minutes before a deadline set by President Donald Trump for the destruction of Iranian infrastructure. Trump confirmed the two-week ceasefire on his social media platform, Truth Social, which was subsequently acknowledged by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
According to Al Jazeera, both nations have expressed gratitude towards Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and military chief Asim Munir for their roles in facilitating the negotiations. Trump noted that he agreed to the ceasefire “based on conversations with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir, of Pakistan”, emphasizing their influence in persuading both sides to return to the negotiating table.
The ceasefire agreement has raised several questions regarding its terms, including the status of transit through the Strait of Hormuz and whether Lebanon is part of the agreement. While the ceasefire halts military actions temporarily, the complexities surrounding the details remain unresolved.
Sharif announced the ceasefire via social media, inviting both American and Iranian delegations to Islamabad for further negotiations aimed at achieving a comprehensive settlement. The ceasefire marks a crucial pause in a conflict that has resulted in the deaths of over 2,000 people in Iran and significant disruptions to global oil supplies.
Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts began immediately after the onset of conflict, with Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar actively engaging in discussions with Iranian officials. Despite facing domestic unrest and rising tensions, Pakistan maintained a balancing act between its commitments to Saudi Arabia and its relationship with Iran. Experts have noted that Pakistan’s early condemnation of US-Israeli strikes played a pivotal role in gaining Iran’s trust, positioning the country as a credible mediator in the ongoing crisis.
