ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Wednesday said Iran and the United States had agreed to an immediate ceasefire. He said that Pakistan has invited both sides to Islamabad on April 10 for further talks for the settlement of the conflict. However, Washington later clarified that no final agreement has been confirmed.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced the development in a post on X, praising both nations for showing “remarkable wisdom and understanding.” He added that Pakistan would host what he termed the “Islamabad Talks” to push for sustainable peace.
Nevertheless, Karoline Leavitt stated that discussions were ongoing but not finalized. She emphasized that any agreement would only be confirmed by the White House or the US president.
Earlier, Donald Trump signaled a potential breakthrough by agreeing to suspend military action for two weeks, provided Iran reopens the critical Strait of Hormuz. In response, Tehran indicated it would halt defensive operations if attacks stopped and safe passage through the waterway was ensured.
The development followed Pakistan’s diplomatic intervention. Sharif urged both sides to allow space for negotiations, while also requesting Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz as a goodwill gesture. Consequently, Trump confirmed he had spoken with both Sharif and Asim Munir before announcing the pause in strikes.
Moreover, Trump described the move as a “double-sided ceasefire,” claiming that military objectives had largely been achieved and that a long-term agreement was within reach. He added that a 10-point proposal from Iran could serve as the basis for negotiations.
Meanwhile, Abbas Araghchi thanked Pakistan’s leadership for mediation efforts, signaling cautious optimism. Despite this progress, uncertainty remains as formal confirmation from Washington is still pending.
