ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has welcomed the ceasefire agreement between Iran and the United States, confirming that Islamabad will host high-level negotiations on April 10 to advance a comprehensive peace deal.
In a message shared on social media, the premier expressed appreciation for the leadership of both nations, inviting their delegations to Islamabad for what he termed the next phase of dialogue aimed at resolving all outstanding issues.
Sharif noted that the ceasefire covering multiple regions including Lebanon has taken effect immediately, calling it a result of “prudent leadership and constructive engagement” during a period of heightened tensions.
He voiced optimism that the upcoming “Islamabad Talks” would pave the way for lasting peace, adding that further positive developments could follow in the coming days.
Iran Signals Conditional De-escalation
Following the truce, Iran’s Supreme National Security Council announced that its forces would suspend defensive operations if hostilities against the country cease. The council also confirmed that negotiations would take place in Islamabad, with an initial two-week timeframe that could be extended through mutual consent.
Iranian authorities further indicated that controlled maritime movement through the Strait of Hormuz would be facilitated during the ceasefire period in coordination with its armed forces.
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi thanked Pakistan’s leadership, including Chief of Army Staff Asim Munir, for their role in mediating the crisis and pushing for a diplomatic resolution.
US Backs Pakistan-Led Proposal
U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed that Washington has accepted a Pakistan-brokered framework for a two-week ceasefire, stepping back from earlier threats of large-scale strikes tied to a deadline on reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump described the arrangement as a “mutual ceasefire,” stating that U.S. military objectives had largely been achieved and that both sides were close to finalizing a long-term peace agreement.
He revealed that Iran had submitted a 10-point proposal, which he termed a “workable basis” for negotiations, adding that most contentious issues had already been addressed. The two-week window, he said, would allow both sides to finalize and formalize an agreement.
Momentum Builds for Direct Engagement
Diplomatic efforts have intensified over the past 24 hours, with Pakistan playing a central role as the primary intermediary between the two sides. Discussions are underway regarding possible in-person negotiations, potentially led by U.S. Vice President JD Vance, although no official confirmation has been issued.
The breakthrough follows a period of sharp escalation, during which Trump had warned of targeting Iran’s infrastructure, including energy and transport networks.
Despite the ceasefire, Iranian officials stressed that the pause does not mark the end of the conflict, emphasizing that a permanent resolution would depend on successful negotiations in Islamabad.
The development is being seen as a critical opportunity to de-escalate tensions and move toward a lasting settlement in the region.
