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Behind the US-Iran ceasefire
Pakistan has emerged as a key player in brokering a US-Iran ceasefire, moving from early mediation to a public appeal that preceded the announcement. While China's influence is acknowledged, Pakistan's sustained diplomatic efforts, culminating in an invitation for talks in Islamabad, suggest a more visible role in securing the two-week truce.
The United States’ announcement of a two-week ceasefire with Iran has opened a larger question: who really drove the deal — working quietly in the background, or building momentum through sustained diplomacy. The timeline of events now suggests that while China may have had influence, Pakistan’s role evolved from early mediation to a visible push at a critical moment.
US President Donald , in a Truth Social post announcing the ceasefire, directly linked his decision to Pakistan’s outreach. “Based on conversations with Prime Minister and Field Marshal Asim Munir, of Pakistan, and wherein they requested that I hold off the destructive force being sent tonight to Iran, and subject to the Islamic Republic of Iran agreeing to the COMPLETE, IMMEDIATE, and SAFE OPENING of the Strait of Hormuz, I agree to suspend the bombing and attack of Iran for a period of two weeks. This will be a double sided CEASEFIRE!” he said.The first move: Pakistan enters early
Pakistan’s involvement did not begin at the last minute. The earliest official acknowledgment came on March 26, when Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar confirmed that Islamabad was facilitating “indirect talks” between the United States and Iran.He said messages were being relayed between the two sides through Pakistan, marking the first time the country formally positioned itself as a mediator at a government level.
The development was quickly reflected in international reporting the same day, which described Pakistan as a “mediator” in US–Iran indirect talks. By March 28, the role gained further validation when Iran’s president thanked Pakistan for its mediation efforts, indicating acceptance from Tehran.
The two-week clue that came first
Last night, Pakistan’s role became more direct. Just before the ceasefire announcement, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif made a public appeal to US President Donald Trump, asking him to delay military action.
“Diplomatic efforts for peaceful settlement of the ongoing war in the Middle East are progressing steadily, strongly and powerfully with the potential to lead to substantive results in the near future. To allow diplomacy to run its course, I earnestly request President Trump to extend the deadline for two weeks.”
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A social media post from Sharif’s account before Trump announced the ceasefire added to the scrutiny. The message was initially published with the heading: “Draft - Pakistan's PM Message on X,” indicating it may not have been intended for immediate release.
According to an ANI report, the post read: “Draft - Pakistan's PM Message on X Diplomatic efforts for peaceful settlement of the ongoing war in the Middle East are progressing steadily, strongly and powerfully with the potential to lead to substantive results in near future. To allow diplomacy to run its course, I earnestly request President Trump to extend the deadline for two weeks. Pakistan, in all sincerity, requests the Iranian brothers to open Strait of Hormuz for a corresponding period of two weeks as a goodwill gesture. We also urge all warring parties to observe a ceasefire everywhere for two weeks to allow diplomacy to achieve conclusive termination of war, in the interest of long-term peace and stability in the region.”
The post was later edited to remove the “Draft” label while retaining the content. The revised version read: “Diplomatic efforts for peaceful settlement of the ongoing war in the Middle East are progressing steadily, strongly and powerfully with the potential to lead to substantive results in near future. To allow diplomacy to run its course, I earnestly request President Trump to extend the deadline for two weeks. Pakistan, in all sincerity, requests the Iranian brothers to open Strait of Hormuz for a corresponding period of two weeks as a goodwill gesture. We also urge all warring parties to observe a ceasefire everywhere for two weeks to allow diplomacy to achieve conclusive termination of war, in the interest of long-term peace and stability in the region.”The timing of the post and the subsequent ceasefire announcement drew attention, as Trump soon declared a two-week pause, aligning with the proposal.
Pakistan steps into the spotlight
Sharif later stated that both sides had agreed to halt hostilities and invited delegations to Islamabad on April 10 for talks aimed at a final agreement.
“With the greatest humility, I am pleased to announce that the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States of America, along with their allies, have agreed to an immediate ceasefire everywhere, including Lebanon and elsewhere, effective immediately,” he said.The proposed “Islamabad Talks” are expected to focus on resolving key issues, with Pakistan positioning itself as a host for direct engagement.
Iran responds: Linking the dots
Iran’s response further tied the sequence together. In a statement shared via a White House post on X, Tehran directly acknowledged Pakistan’s role.
“On behalf of the Islamic Republic of Iran, I express gratitude and appreciation for my dear brothers HE Prime Minister of Pakistan Sharif and HE Field Marshal Munir for their tireless efforts to end the war in the region.”
The statement explicitly linked Iran’s position to Pakistan’s outreach and ongoing negotiations.
“In response to the brotherly request of PM Sharif in his tweet, and considering the request by the U.S. for negotiations based on its 15-point proposal as well as announcement by POTUS about acceptance of the general framework of Iran’s 10-point proposal as a basis for negotiations, I hereby declare on behalf of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council: If attacks against Iran are halted, our Powerful Armed Forces will cease their defensive operations.”
Iran also outlined a temporary arrangement on a key global route. “For a period of two weeks, safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz will be possible via coordination with Iran’s Armed Forces and with due consideration of technical limitations.”The statement connected Pakistan’s appeal, the US proposal, and Iran’s response within the same timeline.
China’s quiet mention
Even as Pakistan’s role became visible, Trump pointed to China when asked who helped bring Iran to the table. “I hear yes. Yes they were.”
The brief remark suggests Beijing may have played a background role, likely through its economic and strategic ties with Iran. However, no detailed public account of China’s involvement has been outlined.
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Deal on paper, doubts on ground
Trump described the agreement as decisive. “Total and complete victory. 100 percent. No question about it. No question about it.” He said most elements of a broader framework had been agreed upon, though some issues remain open.
Experts remain cautious. Jonathan Schanzer of the Foundation for Defence of Democracies said, “Look, this regime cannot be trusted in any shape or form,” warning that a weakened Iran could still act unpredictably.
“There is ample room to be concerned that a weakened and angry Iran may seek retribution… this could be a wounded animal that is quite dangerous,” he said.
Whodunnit: Groundwork or final push
The sequence now presents overlapping roles. China appears as a possible behind-the-scenes influence, acknowledged briefly by Trump. Pakistan shows a continuous track — from facilitating indirect talks in March, to gaining recognition from Iran, to making a public two-week appeal that aligned with the ceasefire.
Whether the ceasefire was shaped more by early mediation, last-minute diplomacy, or quiet external influence remains unresolved. The next round of talks may clarify which role proved decisive.
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Source: EconomicTimes
Related Posts: US-Iran ceasefire,China,Pakistan,Iran war,middle east conflict,Shehbaz Sharif,trump
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