Iran Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi thanks Pakistan for solidarity
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‘Tireless and courageous diplomacy’: World reacts to Islamabad-brokered US-Iran ceasefire
In the early hours of Wednesday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced that the US and Iran had agreed to an immediate ceasefire, bringing a temporary pause to the escalating conflict in the Middle East. In his X post, the premier, who helped mediate the ceasefire, also invited delegations from both countries to Islamabad on April 10 to “hold further negotiations towards a conclusive agreement to settle all disputes”. Amid the hostilities, Pakistan has emerged as an active diplomatic player. In the past few weeks, Islamabad has hosted consultations with key regional countries, maintained back-channel contacts between Tehran and Washington, and worked closely with Beijing on a framework for de-escalation that includes calls for a ceasefire, dialogue, and protection of critical infrastructure. Here is how global leaders reacted to the development. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomed the US-Iran two-week ceasefire, his spokesperson said, while urging all parties to work toward long-term peace in the Middle East. “The Secretary-General welcomes the announcement of a two-week ceasefire by the United States and Iran,” his spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said in a statement. He added that the UN chief “calls on all the parties to the current conflict in the Middle East to comply with their obligations under international law and to abide by the terms of the ceasefire in order to pave the way toward a lasting and comprehensive peace in the region.” Malaysia Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim also welcomed the ceasefire and lauded Pakistan for its “tireless and courageous diplomacy”. In a post on X, the prime minister said, Iran’s 10-point proposal to end the war needed to be “translated into a comprehensive peace deal, not just for Iran, but also for Iraq, Lebanon and Yemen”. He reiterated his support for Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts, appreciating its “willingness to speak to all sides, without fear or favour”. Ibrahim added that Pakistan’s efforts reflected “the highest traditions of Muslim solidarity and international responsibility”. New Zealand Welcoming the ceasefire, New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters expressed appreciation to Pakistan, Türkiye and Egypt for helping reach a resolution. In a post on X, Peters said, “New Zealand welcomes the announcements by the United States and Iran over the past few hours — as we welcome all efforts to bring an end to this conflict”. “While this is encouraging news, there remains significant important work to be done in the coming days to secure a lasting ceasefire,” he added. “We are grateful for the work of Pakistan, and others such as Turkiye and Egypt, to seek to find a solution to the crisis,” he said. Iraq Iraq’s foreign ministry said it welcomed the two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran, calling for “serious and sustainable dialogue” between the nations. The ministry “calls for building upon this positive step by launching serious and sustainable dialogue tracks that address the root causes of the disputes and strengthen mutual trust,” it posted on social media. UK High Commissioner British High Commissioner to Pakistan Jane Marriott, taking to X, applauded Pakistan’s role in the mediation efforts. In a post on X, she said, “Thank you, Pakistan, for the quiet, effective, diplomatic role you have played in bringing about this vital ceasefire”. Australia Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese welcomed the ceasefire as “positive”. Speaking to Sky News Australia, Albanese welcomed news that the United States and Iran had agreed to a two-week ceasefire, barely an hour before Trump’s deadline expired. “What we have called for is a de-escalation, and that is what has occurred, and that’s a good thing,” the Australian leader said. “This is positive news. We’ve been calling for a de-escalation for some time. We want to see a resolution of the conflict.” Australian High Commissioner Timothy Kane also congratulated Pakistan on its “effective diplomacy” in the US-Iran ceasefire. In a post on X, the Australian envoy said, “Congratulations, Pakistan, on your effective diplomacy and efforts to bring peace! Australia wants to see the ceasefire upheld and a resolution to the conflict”. Kazakhstan Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev lauded Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts. In a post on X, the president’s office said that the ceasefire was “reached with the mediation of Prime Minister of Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff of Pakistan, Field Marshal Asim Munir”. “This agreement became possible due to the goodwill and wisdom of the President of the United States, Donald Trump and the senior leadership of Iran, as well as all countries involved in the military conflict,” he added. His office said that the president “expressed hope that the truce agreement will be long-lasting and will contribute to the development of global trade and the economic prosperity of all nations”.
DawnApril 8, 2026 at 05:56 AM UTCTrump stops bombing Iran after conversations with PM Shehbaz Sharif, Field Marshal Asim Munir; Iran, US agree to two-week ceasefire
Pakistan on Wednesday announced that the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States of America, along with their allies, had agreed to an immediate ceasefire, including in Lebanon, effective immediately, and invited their delegations to Islamabad on April 10 for talks aimed at reaching a lasting settlement of disputes. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced the ceasefire in an early-morning post on X, welcoming the move and extending his “deepest gratitude” to the leadership of both countries. Both sides have displayed “remarkable wisdom and understanding” and remained constructively engaged in furthering the cause of peace and stability, the prime minister said, expressing hope that the ‘Islamabad Talks’ would succeed in achieving sustainable peace and that more positive developments would follow in the coming days. The prime minister, who helped mediate the ceasefire, also invited delegations from both countries to Islamabad on April 10 to “hold further negotiations towards a conclusive agreement to settle all disputes”. However, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the US has not yet agreed. “There are discussions about in-person talks, but nothing is final until announced by the President or the White House,” Leavitt said. Israel has also agreed to the ceasefire deal between the United States and Iran, a White House official confirmed. According to a statement issued by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel supported Trump’s decision, but it maintained that the ceasefire “does not include Lebanon”. Trump says will help with ‘traffic buildup’ in Hormuz Strait US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that the United States will help with traffic buildup in the Strait of Hormuz, hours after Washington and Tehran agreed to a truce. “The United States of America will be helping with the traffic buildup in the Strait of Hormuz,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform. “There will be lots of positive action! Big money will be made. Iran can start the reconstruction process.” Trump said in his Truth Social post that the United States will be “loading up with supplies of all kinds, and just “hangin’ around” in order to make sure that everything goes well. I feel confident that it will.” “Just like we are experiencing in the US, this could be the Golden Age of the Middle East!!!” Trump wrote. Trump agrees to two-week ceasefire The breakthrough came after a request by Pakistan, with US President Donald Trump saying early on Wednesday that he would suspend the bombing of Iran for two weeks if Tehran fully reopened the vital Strait of Hormuz. At the same time, Iran said that if attacks against the country were halted, it would cease its defensive operations and that safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz would be possible for two weeks. Trump’s statement came less than two hours before his ultimatum (8pm ET on April 8) for Iran to make a deal and reopen the Strait of Hormuz was set to lapse. On Tuesday, he had renewed his threat to Iran, saying “a whole civilisation will die tonight”, as Tehran showed no sign of accepting his ultimatum. With hours left for the deadline to end, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif took to the social media platform X to say, “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,” he said. Pakistan has positioned itself as a facilitator in the peace process between Tehran and Washington for an end to ongoing hostilities in the Middle East that began with the US and Israel launching strikes in Iran on February 28. He also requested Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz — a key maritime corridor through which 20pc of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas flowed before the Middle East war began — for a corresponding period of two weeks. “Pakistan, in all sincerity, requests the Iranian brothers to open the 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,” he said. Shortly thereafter, Trump took to his Truth Social platform to say that he had spoken with PM Shehbaz and Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir. “Based on conversations with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif 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,” he said. He added that “this will be a double sided CEASEFIRE!” “The reason for doing so is that we have already met and exceeded all Military objectives, and are very far along with a definitive Agreement concerning Longterm PEACE with Iran, and PEACE in the Middle East. “We received a 10-point proposal from Iran, and believe it is a workable basis on which to negotiate. Almost all of the various points of past contention have been agreed to between the United States and Iran, but a two week period will allow the Agreement to be finalised and consummated,” he added. Trump further stated that on behalf of the US, as the president, “and also representing the Countries of the Middle East, it is an Honour to have this Longterm problem close to resolution”. Subsequently, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi shared a statement on behalf of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council declaring that if attacks against the country were halted, it would cease its defensive operations. “On behalf of the Islamic Republic of Iran, I express my gratitude and appreciation for my dear brothers Prime Minister of Pakistan Sharif and Field Marshal Munir for their tireless efforts to end the war in the region,” he said. “In response to the brotherly request of PM Sharif in his tweet, and considering the request by the US 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,” he said. “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,” he said. Separately, Iran’s state-run PressTV outlined Tehran’s 10-point proposal, which it said the US had “accepted”. These included: non-aggression against Iran; continued Iranian control over the Strait of Hormuz; acceptance of Iran’s right to uranium enrichment; lifting all primary sanctions; lifting all secondary sanctions; termination of all United Nations Security Council resolutions against Iran; termination of all International Atomic Energy Agency board of governors’ resolutions against Iran; compensation for damages inflicted on Iran; withdrawal of US combat forces from the region; and the cessation of war on all fronts, including against Hezbollah in Lebanon. Later, speaking to AFP, Trump said that the United States had won a “total and complete victory”. “Total and complete victory. 100 per cent. No question about it,” Trump said in a brief telephone interview shortly after the announcement of the truce. On being asked about what would happen to Iran’s enriched uranium, the US president said, “That will be perfectly taken care of or I wouldn’t have settled”. Trump also said that he believed China got Iran to negotiate a ceasefire. Israel backs US decision Separately, Israel said it supported US President Donald Trump’s decision to suspend the bombing of Iran for two weeks as part of a ceasefire deal if Tehran reopens the vital Strait of Hormuz. “Israel supports President Trump’s decision to suspend strikes against Iran for two weeks, subject to Iran immediately opening the straits and stopping all attacks on the US, Israel and countries in the region,” the office of prime minister said. “Israel also supports the US effort to ensure that Iran no longer poses a nuclear, missile and terror threat to America, Israel, Iran’s Arab neighbours, and the world,” the statement added. Dar’s engagements Following PM Shehbaz’s post, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held four phone calls with the foreign ministers of Morocco, Saudi Arabi, Turkiye and Egypt in a span of around half an hour, according to the Foreign Office (FO). In all these engagements, Dar exchanged views on the latest developments in the Middle East and the wider region and highlighted the current status of Pakistan’s sustained efforts to promote dialogue and diplomatic engagement aimed at fostering peace and stability, the FO said. The foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Turkiye and Egypt were also in Islamabad last week and participated in a quadrilateral moot focused on de-escalation efforts in the Middle East. Dar had said after the quadrilateral moot that Iran and US had expressed confidence in Pakistan to facilitate talks and Islamabad would be honoured to host dialogue “in coming days”. A day after the moot, Dar was in Beijing where Pakistan and China issued a five-point initiative for restoring peace and stability in the Gulf and the Middle East. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had initially also offered on March 24 that Pakistan stood “ready and honoured” to host “meaningful and conclusive talks” between the US and Iran. On March 25, Iran’s state-owned broadcaster Press TV reported that Tehran had “responded negatively” to an American proposal aimed at ending the US-Israeli war on the country. The report cited a senior political-security official. It further stated that the official had outlined five conditions under which Tehran would agree to end the ongoing conflict. These included a complete halt to “aggression and assassinations” by the enemy; the establishment of concrete mechanisms to ensure that the war is not reimposed on the Islamic Republic; guaranteed and clearly defined payment of war damages and reparations; the conclusion of the war across all fronts and for all resistance groups involved throughout the region; international recognition and guarantees regarding Iran’s sovereign right to exercise authority over the Strait of Hormuz. On Monday Iranian media reported that Iran had conveyed its response to a US proposal for ending the war to Pakistan, again rejecting a ceasefire and emphasising the necessity of a permanent end to the war. The Iranian response consisted of 10 clauses, including an end to conflicts in the region, a protocol for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, lifting of sanctions, and reconstruction, the agency added. Both rejection preceded warning by Trump of wider attacks on Iran if Tehran refused to enter a deal with Washington. More to follow
DawnApril 8, 2026 at 05:13 AM UTC‘Biggest diplomatic win in years’: Pakistan’s quiet role in US-Iran ceasefire
WASHINGTON: More than two weeks of intense, largely unseen diplomacy preceded the announcement that the United States and Iran have agreed to observe a two-week ceasefire, diplomatic observers told Dawn — a breakthrough they say would not have been possible without sustained mediation by Pakistan. Islamabad moved quickly after the conflict erupted on Feb 28. Within days of the first strikes, Pakistani officials began activating diplomatic channels across multiple capitals. While publicly maintaining neutrality, Pakistan quietly positioned itself as a bridge between Washington and Tehran — two adversaries that do not maintain direct diplomatic relations. Pakistan represents Iran’s interests in Washington, giving it a rare institutional foothold in both capitals. “Why has Pakistan remained front and center in a high-stakes and high-risk US-Iran peace facilitation effort?” asked Michael Kugelman, a Washington-based scholar of South Asian affairs. “Strong ties with all key players, trust from the White House, ongoing direct engagements with Iran, and buy-in from Pakistan’s ally China,” he said, noting that Beijing holds significant leverage with Tehran. Kugelman argued that Islamabad also had compelling reasons to step forward. “It is especially vulnerable to the conflict’s effects. It doesn’t want to get dragged into the conflict and has strategic interests in showcasing its agency as an influential regional actor,” he added. The scholar, in a later post on X, added that Pakistan achieved “one of its biggest diplomatic wins in years”. “It also defied many sceptics and naysayers that didn’t think it had the capacity to pull off such a complex, high-stakes feat,” he said. Vali Nasr, a prominent scholar of Iranian affairs in Washington, highlighted another unexpected dimension. Retweeting Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s post about the ceasefire, he noted: “Pakistan PM says ceasefire will also include Lebanon.” He added: “Iran had been asking for this all along, but it always looked like an outlandish maximal ask. That it is on the table now is quite an unexpected outcome.” The most visible phase of Pakistan’s effort came on March 29–30, when foreign ministers from Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Turkey met in Islamabad to explore pathways to de-escalation. Led by Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, the consultations focused on preventing further military escalation and developing a framework to initiate US–Iran talks. The proposal envisioned structured negotiations in Islamabad. When immediate talks did not materialise, some observers concluded that the initiative had faltered. According to diplomatic sources, however, Islamabad intensified its outreach rather than scaling it back. In the days that followed, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Dar spoke with more than a dozen world leaders and senior officials in Washington, Moscow, Beijing, key European capitals, Gulf Cooperation Council states, Turkey, Egypt and Saudi Arabia. The objective was to build consensus around a limited ceasefire as a first step toward formal negotiations. Pakistan’s military leadership also played a part. Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir held conversations with senior US officials, including President Donald Trump, diplomatic sources said, reinforcing civilian diplomatic efforts at a critical juncture. Simultaneously, Pakistani officials remained in contact with Iranian counterparts, including figures linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, ensuring that communication channels stayed open at a time when direct exchanges between Washington and Tehran were severely constrained. By early April, Islamabad circulated a ceasefire framework proposing an immediate halt to hostilities, followed by a defined diplomatic window of approximately two weeks for structured negotiations. The plan emphasised confidence-building measures, including de-escalation around key maritime routes — a major flashpoint in the crisis. Although delays persisted and differences remained sharp — particularly over regional security arrangements and maritime access — mounting military and political pressure created space for compromise. As deadlines loomed and fears of a broader regional war intensified, Pakistan’s proposal began gaining traction. On April 7, Washington and Tehran announced they would observe a two-week ceasefire, halting major offensive operations and opening the door to direct or proximity talks. Officials in multiple capitals credited Pakistan’s sustained mediation — particularly its ability to speak to all sides without appearing aligned — as a decisive factor in breaking the impasse. Islamabad’s role was enabled by its unique diplomatic position: maintaining working relations with the United States while sharing a long and sensitive border with Iran. It also enjoys cooperative ties with Saudi Arabia, Turkey and other regional actors whose support proved essential in building momentum for de-escalation. The next phase is expected to begin in Islamabad on April 10, where delegations will explore the contours of a more durable arrangement. Whether the temporary truce evolves into a lasting agreement will depend on progress within that narrow diplomatic window. For Islamabad, however, the ceasefire already marks a significant diplomatic achievement — demonstrating that sustained engagement, even when conducted largely out of public view, can alter the trajectory of a fast-moving regional crisis.
DawnApril 8, 2026 at 05:11 AM UTCFollowing Pakistan’s request, Trump agrees to suspend attacks if Iran opens Strait of Hormuz
Following a request by Pakistan, US President Donald Trump said early on Wednesday he had agreed to suspend the bombing of Iran for two weeks if Tehran completely reopened the vital Strait of Hormuz. At the same time, Iran said that if attacks against the country were halted, it would cease its defensive operations and that safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz would be possible for two weeks. Trump’s statement came less than two hours before his ultimatum (8pm ET on April 8) for Iran to make a deal and reopen the Strait of Hormuz was set to lapse. On Tuesday, he had renewed his threat to Iran, saying “a whole civilisation will die tonight”, as Tehran showed no sign of accepting his ultimatum. With hours left for the deadline to end, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif took to the social media platform X to say, “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,” he said. Pakistan has positioned itself as a facilitator in the peace process between Tehran and Washington for an end to ongoing hostilities in the Middle East that began with the US and Israel launching strikes in Iran on February 28. He also requested Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz — a key maritime corridor through which 20pc of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas flowed before the Middle East war began — for a corresponding period of two weeks. “Pakistan, in all sincerity, requests the Iranian brothers to open the 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,” he said. Shortly thereafter, Trump took to his Truth Social platform to say that he had spoken with PM Shehbaz and Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir. “Based on conversations with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif 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,” he said. He added that “this will be a double sided CEASEFIRE!” “The reason for doing so is that we have already met and exceeded all Military objectives, and are very far along with a definitive Agreement concerning Longterm PEACE with Iran, and PEACE in the Middle East. “We received a 10-point proposal from Iran, and believe it is a workable basis on which to negotiate. Almost all of the various points of past contention have been agreed to between the United States and Iran, but a two week period will allow the Agreement to be finalised and consummated,” he added. Trump further stated that on behalf of the US, as the president, “and also representing the Countries of the Middle East, it is an Honour to have this Longterm problem close to resolution”. Subsequently, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi shared a statement on behalf of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council declaring that if attacks against the country were halted, it would cease its defensive operations. “On behalf of the Islamic Republic of Iran, I express my gratitude and appreciation for my dear brothers Prime Minister of Pakistan Sharif and Field Marshal Munir for their tireless efforts to end the war in the region,” he said. “In response to the brotherly request of PM Sharif in his tweet, and considering the request by the US 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,” he said. “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,” he said. Separately, Iran’s state-run PressTV outlined Tehran’s 10-point proposal, which it said the US had “accepted”. These included: non-aggression against Iran; continued Iranian control over the Strait of Hormuz; acceptance of Iran’s right to uranium enrichment; lifting all primary sanctions; lifting all secondary sanctions; termination of all United Nations Security Council resolutions against Iran; termination of all International Atomic Energy Agency board of governors’ resolutions against Iran; compensation for damages inflicted on Iran; withdrawal of US combat forces from the region; and the cessation of war on all fronts, including against Hezbollah in Lebanon. Dar’s engagements Following PM Shehbaz’s post, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held four phone calls with the foreign ministers of Morocco, Saudi Arabi, Turkiye and Egypt in a span of around half an hour, according to the Foreign Office (FO). In all these engagements, Dar exchanged views on the latest developments in the Middle East and the wider region and highlighted the current status of Pakistan’s sustained efforts to promote dialogue and diplomatic engagement aimed at fostering peace and stability, the FO said. The foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Turkiye and Egypt were also in Islamabad last week and participated in a quadrilateral moot focused on de-escalation efforts in the Middle East. Dar had said after the quadrilateral moot that Iran and US had expressed confidence in Pakistan to facilitate talks and Islamabad would be honoured to host dialogue “in coming days”. A day after the moot, Dar was in Beijing where Pakistan and China issued a five-point initiative for restoring peace and stability in the Gulf and the Middle East. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had initially also offered on March 24 that Pakistan stood “ready and honoured” to host “meaningful and conclusive talks” between the US and Iran. On March 25, Iran’s state-owned broadcaster Press TV reported that Tehran had “responded negatively” to an American proposal aimed at ending the US-Israeli war on the country. The report cited a senior political-security official. It further stated that the official had outlined five conditions under which Tehran would agree to end the ongoing conflict. These included a complete halt to “aggression and assassinations” by the enemy; the establishment of concrete mechanisms to ensure that the war is not reimposed on the Islamic Republic; guaranteed and clearly defined payment of war damages and reparations; the conclusion of the war across all fronts and for all resistance groups involved throughout the region; international recognition and guarantees regarding Iran’s sovereign right to exercise authority over the Strait of Hormuz. On Monday Iranian media reported that Iran had conveyed its response to a US proposal for ending the war to Pakistan, again rejecting a ceasefire and emphasising the necessity of a permanent end to the war. The Iranian response consisted of 10 clauses, including an end to conflicts in the region, a protocol for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, lifting of sanctions, and reconstruction, the agency added. Both rejection preceded warning by Trump of wider attacks on Iran if Tehran refused to enter a deal with Washington. More to follow
DawnApril 7, 2026 at 11:58 PM UTCDar says Israeli attack on Iran set off ‘dangerous developments’ that ‘severely damaged’ peace process
ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar expressed regret on Tuesday that an attack by Israel on Iran set out events that “severely damaged the peace process” at a time when Washington and Tehran were close to coming to the table. His statement in the Senate came ahead of an 8pm ET deadline for April 8 that US President Donald Trump has given to Iran to enter a ceasefire agreement with Washington. Trump has warned of wider bombing on power plants and other critical infrastructure otherwise. Pakistan has positioned itself as a facilitator in the peace process between the two sides, leveraging its ties with the US and its working relationship with Iran. Addressing the Senate, Dar said Pakistan had been playing a proactive diplomatic role to reduce tensions, but recent developments had dealt a severe blow to peace efforts. “Just as both parties were close to sitting at the negotiating table, Israel attacked Iran, which led Iran to target oil installations in Saudi Arabia’s Jubail city. This situation has severely damaged the peace process”, he said. On Monday, Israel attacked Iran’s petrochemical facilities, following which Iran claimed an overnight attack on a petrochemical complex in a sprawling industrial area in the eastern city of Jubail. Dar said he was “very optimistic” before last night, but recent “dangerous developments have once again made the situation tense”. He highlighted that Pakistan was one of the first among Muslim countries to have openly condemned US-Israeli attacks on Iran that began the ongoing conflict. He said when the US attacked Iran, he was in Saudi Arabia and contacted the Iranian foreign minister from Madina at the time to convey Pakistan’s stance. Dar said Pakistan then decided to “immediately contact all important countries” in the region and played a facilitating role for a halt to hostilities. “Both parties accepted Pakistan’s mediation and agreed to talks in Islamabad. Pakistan does not desire any medal or credit, but the goal was to establish peace in the region,” he said. He said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir made “tremendous efforts” for de-escalation while he, too, played a role on this front. Pakistan conveyed Washington’s 15-point proposal to Iran for an end to hostilities in March, he said, adding that he also conveyed Iran’s five-point proposal in return to the US. These efforts, he said, “led to a ceasefire possibility”. Both parties were close to coming to the table, but Israel attacked Iran, and Iran targeted Saudi Arabia’s oil installations in retaliation, “which severely damaged the peace process”, he said. He said Pakistan had also consulted China and other countries on the peace initiative, and the international community, including the United Nations secretary general, appreciated Pakistan’s role. Dar said, “Pakistan will continue efforts to establish peace in the region, fulfilling its responsibility.”
DawnApril 7, 2026 at 08:56 PM UTCIran positively reviewing Pakistan’s request for a two-week ceasefire, source says
U.S. President Donald Trump is aware of Pakistan's proposal for a two-week extension to a deadline he imposed on Iran, and a response will come, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said on Tuesday. "The President has been made aware of the proposal, and a response will come," Leavitt said in a statement. FRANCE 24's Fraser Jackson reports from Washington.
France 24 WorldApril 7, 2026 at 08:14 PM UTCEfforts to facilitate talks between US and Iran ongoing, Pakistani sources say
Efforts to facilitate talks between the US and Iran are still ongoing, two Pakistani sources with knowledge of the discussions told Reuters on Tuesday, as US strikes on Iran intensified and US President Donald Trump’s deadline to unleash “hell” neared. One of the sources, a senior security official, said Iran’s overnight strike on Saudi Arabia’s industrial facilities linked to US firms threatened to derail the talks. If Saudi Arabia were to respond to the strikes, the talks would be over, the source said, adding that retaliation could also draw Pakistan into the conflict under its defence pact with Riyadh. The second source said Iran was “walking on thin ice” and that the next three to four hours were critical for the future of dialogue. Pakistan has been at the centre of negotiations between the US and Iran in recent weeks, acting as the main go-between for proposals shared by both sides, but there has been no sign of a compromise. “We are in touch with Iranians. They have lately shown flexibility that they could join the talks, but they are at the same time taking hard lines as a prerequisite for any negotiations,” the Pakistani security source said. He added that Islamabad was persuading Tehran to enter negotiations without prior conditions. Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson said on Monday that messages are still being exchanged via mediators. A senior Iranian source told Reuters on Tuesday that Tehran had rejected a proposal conveyed by intermediaries for a temporary ceasefire. Talks on a lasting peace could begin only after the United States and Israel end their strikes, provide a guarantee they will not resume, and offer compensation for damages, the source said.
DawnApril 7, 2026 at 02:38 PM UTCArmy’s top brass condemns attacks on Saudi Arabia as ‘unnecessary escalation’: ISPR
The army’s top brass on Tuesday condemned attacks on Saudi Arabia’s energy infrastructure amid the ongoing US-Israeli war on Iran as “an unnecessary escalation”, according to the military’s media affairs wing. The development came as Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir presided over the 274th Corps Commanders’ Conference (CCC) at General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi, according to a statement by Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). It said that the forum appreciated the “hectic efforts” taken by the government to bring an end to the war in the Middle East, “echoing the call for restraint, dialogue, and de-escalation, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to principled diplomacy and constructive engagement”. “The forum reiterated Pakistan’s role as a responsible regional stakeholder, actively contributing to peace and stability as a regional security stabiliser,” the statement said. It added that the forum noted with “concern and vehemently condemned the latest attacks on Saudi Arabia’s petrochemical and industrial complex as an unnecessary escalation which spoils sincere efforts to resolve the conflict through peaceful means”. The statement said the forum noted that the restraint and calibration exhibited by the kingdom, despite “grave provocations”, enabled mediation and diplomatic resolution. However, it added that such “unwarranted aggressions have serious repercussions, to spoil the ongoing peaceful options and conducive environment”. Earlier in the day, the Foreign Office had also condemned the attacks on Saudi Arabia’s energy facilities, terming the attacks as “a dangerous escalation” that undermined regional peace and stability. It should be noted that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed a “Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement” in Riyadh last year, pledging that any attack on either nation would be treated as an act of aggression against both. Meanwhile, ISPR said that the corps commanders’ conference also undertook a comprehensive review of the prevailing internal and external security environment, “reaffirming that all terrorist proxies operating on behest of Indian and other external sponsors, along with their facilitators and abettors, will be pursued and eliminated, relentlessly, and without exception”. The statement said that the pace of Operation Ghazab lil-Haq, launched against the Afghan Taliban on February 26, would be maintained till the “culmination of terrorists’ safe heavens and use of the Afghan soil against Pakistan is decisively brought to an end”. The forum also categorically rejected “persistent disinformation, baseless allegations, and false flag narratives attributed to India, noting that such tactics stand discredited internationally”. “The forum expressed concern over continued human rights violations by Indian authorities in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, and noted the recent spate of fake encounters at various locations to cover up extrajudicial killings,” the statement said. In his remarks, CDF Munir expressed his satisfaction and commended the armed forces for their unwavering professionalism, operational excellence, and steadfast commitment towards the defence of the country and sustained, intelligence-based counter-terrorism operations. “He underscored that through the synergy of the government, armed forces, and the people, Pakistan continues to consolidate security gains, strengthen economic resilience, and enhance its regional and global standing,” the statement said. He also directed commanders to maintain the highest standards of operational readiness, professionalism, and adaptability, expressing full confidence in the armed forces’ ability to counter all forms of threats and to ensure the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Pakistan, it added. At the outset of the meeting, the forum offered Fateha for the martyrs of the armed forces, law enforcement agencies, and innocent civilians who laid down their lives in defence of the motherland. “Paying solemn tribute to their unmatched sacrifices, the Forum reaffirmed that their legacy remains the bedrock of Pakistan’s national security,” the statement said.
DawnApril 7, 2026 at 01:35 PM UTCJailed PTI leaders urge multiparty moot on Middle East war
• Suggest to explore if FBR revenue target failure real reason behind fuel price hike; back diplomatic efforts for de-escalation • Fazl seeks in-camera parliament session on crisis; criticises foreign policy for being aligned with US ISLAMABAD/PESHAWAR: Jailed leaders of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf have urged the party to convene a multi-party conference with like-minded groups to address the escalating regional conflict, while Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam Fazl chief separately called for an in-camera parliamentary session to clarify Pakistan’s position on the ongoing international crisis. The PTI leaders, incarcerated at Kot Lakhpat Jail, suggested in a message on Monday that their party immediately convene a conference of “likeminded parties” on the platform of Tehreek-i-Tahafuz Ayeen-i-Pakistan (TTAP) to deliberate and build a consensus on perceived aggression against Iran by the United States and Israel. They also proposed discussions on Iran’s retaliation against Gulf States and the reasons behind the United Arab Emirates’ decision to seek the immediate return of funds it deposited with the State Bank of Pakistan for balance-of-payments support. The leaders, including Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Dr Yasmin Rashid, Ejaz Chaudhry, Mian Mehmoodur Rasheed and Omar Sarfraz Cheema, said the conference should also examine the extent to which the Federal Board of Revenue’s failure to meet its revenue targets was responsible for an unprecedented rise in petrol and diesel prices. They also called for a review of the mechanism for transferring subsidies to motorcyclists, small farmers and the transport sector. The leaders warned via the party’s media wing message that prolonged conflict risks Pakistan’s hard-won macroeconomic stability and threatens energy and food security. They also noted that mounting inflationary pressures would not only impact the purchasing power of the people but would also push more people beneath the poverty line. The PTI statement stressed the need for a diplomatic path forward, urging that regional tensions be de-escalated peacefully. They stated that diplomatic efforts to reduce regional tensions, backed by China, need strengthening in Islamabad. Pakistan should promote peaceful dispute resolution through dialogue, respecting sovereignty and territorial integrity. They further mentioned that International humanitarian laws forbid attacking civilians and infrastructure. Strikes on nuclear sites are alarming and could lead to horrific consequences for Iran and its neighbours. They added that the international community should not ignore certain states’ rogue behaviour. Iran’s choice against nuclear arms, willingness to negotiate, desire for peace, and effort to exit war with a guarantee of no further aggression must be respected. In-camera parliamentary session Separately on Monday, JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman called on the government to convene an in-camera session of the parliament to brief lawmakers on country’s standing in the ongoing international crisis. Addressing a press conference at Mufti Mehmood Markaz in Peshawar after a two-day meeting of the JUI-F’s central Majlis-i-Shura, Maulana Fazl said that every Pakistani was worried about the situation. “We deserve to know the issue,” he said. “If not discussed publicly, the government should inform public representatives in-camera about Pakistan’s stance on the situation.” The JUI-F chief criticised the government’s economic and trade policies, claiming it had closed the country’s eastern and western borders. “What brilliant minds we have that we have closed both of our own borders,” he said. He questioned the government’s justification for recent petroleum price hikes, asking about the status of 10 Pakistani-flagged tankers that he said had crossed the Strait of Hormuz. The JUI-F chief urged public protests on Friday against petroleum price hikes, stating his party opposes the increases that are causing hardships. He also criticised the government’s foreign policy, suggesting it was aligned with a globally isolated US administration. The Maulana commented, “For the first time, Europe distanced itself from a US-led conflict, leaving Donald Trump isolated. However, Pakistani rulers persisted in their allegiance to Trump and the international establishment, even as the US public and Europe opposed the war.” The JUI-F chief criticised legislation on domestic violence, transgender, and Muslim Family Laws as un-Islamic, rejecting them. He noted the chaotic law and order in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, accusing the government of inconsistent stance on military operations. The JUI-F chief said his party would hold a public meeting in Mardan on April 12, with more to follow across the country. Published in Dawn, April 7th, 2026
DawnApril 7, 2026 at 02:53 AM UTC‘Peace process ongoing’: FO neither confirms nor denies reports of Pakistan proposing framework to end Iran war
The Foreign Office said on Monday that the peace process is “ongoing” but declined to confirm or deny reports that Pakistan has proposed a framework to end the US-Israel war on Iran, according to state broadcaster Pakistan TV. “There have been several reports of a 45-day ceasefire offer, or 15-point exchange. We do not comment on these individual, specific incidents,” said FO Spokesperson Tahir Andrabi. The comments by the FO spokesperson follow a Reuters report that claimed Iran and the United States have received a plan to end hostilities, which was put together by Pakistan. The Reuters report, which cited a “source aware of the proposals”, claimed the framework was exchanged with the two sides overnight. Axios, citing US, Israeli and regional sources, first reported on Sunday that the US, Iran and regional mediators were discussing a potential 45-day ceasefire as part of a two-phase deal that could lead to a permanent end to the war. Separately, Iran said it has formulated its positions and demands in response to recent ceasefire proposals conveyed via intermediaries, a foreign ministry spokesperson said, adding that negotiations were “incompatible with ultimatums and threats to commit war crimes”. Spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said Tehran had a set of requirements based on its national interests that had already been conveyed via intermediary channels, adding that earlier US demands, such as the 15-point plan, were rejected for being “excessive”. “Iran does not hesitate to clearly express what it considers its legitimate demands and doing so should not be interpreted as a sign of compromise, but rather as a reflection of its confidence in defending its positions,” Baghaei said in a press conference. The latest diplomatic push comes amid escalating hostilities that have raised concerns over disruption to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical artery for global oil supplies. The conflict has heightened volatility in energy markets, with traders closely watching any developments that could affect flows through the strait. Pakistan has positioned itself as a facilitator in the peace process, leveraging its ties with the US and its working relationship with Iran. On Saturday, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi clarified that Tehran’s leadership “never refused to go to Islamabad” for possible peace talks that Pakistan has offered to host. More warnings from Trump US President Donald Trump has, in recent days, warned Iran of consequences if a ceasefire is not reached within a short timeframe. On Sunday, in an expletives-laden Truth Social post, Trump warned Iran that the US would target its power plants and bridges if Tehran did not “re-open” the Strait of Hormuz, giving another deadline. Iran said Trump’s statement, which was also denounced within the US, was a “clear evidence of intent to commit war crime” and asked the international community to prevent this atrocious act from happening. The US president later posted on social media, without mentioning Iran or any other details: “Tuesday, 8:00 P.M. Eastern Time!” “If they don’t do something by Tuesday evening, they won’t have any power plants and they won’t have any bridges standing,” Trump told the Wall Street Journal. After his Truth Social post, the US president also claimed that talks with Tehran were underway and he believed there was “a good chance” of making a deal with Iran on Monday. “I think there is a good chance tomorrow, they are negotiating now,” the president told a Fox News journalist. “If they don’t make a deal and fast, I’m considering blowing everything up and taking over the oil,” he added.
DawnApril 6, 2026 at 11:25 AM UTC