ISLAMABAD / WASHINGTON — In a major win for Pakistani diplomacy, U.S. President Donald Trump has announced an extension of the temporary ceasefire with Iran, citing direct requests from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Gen Asim Munir. This last-minute intervention has averted immediate military strikes in the Gulf, with Trump stating on Truth Social that he is giving Tehran more time to submit a “unified proposal.”
The world is now looking at Islamabad as the “key intermediary” in the U.S.-Iran standoff. While the naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz remains in place, a second round of face-to-face talks is being scheduled in the Pakistani capital. PM Shehbaz welcomed the decision, reiterating that Pakistan will “continue its earnest efforts” to ensure regional stability and prevent a global energy crisis.
