Pakistan is being credited with persuading the United States and Iran to suspend hostilities for two weeks and open a window for mediation. President Donald Trump announced he had received a ceasefire proposal from Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and would hold off on strikes for 14 days, provided Iran agrees to a “complete, immediate, and safe” reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. His statement, posted on Truth Social, came hours before a self-imposed deadline and after earlier threats of severe retaliation against Iran.
Analysts say Islamabad’s success rests on its credibility with both capitals and its use of backchannel diplomacy to align short-term interests around de-escalation. Raja Qaiser Ahmed, an international relations scholar in Islamabad, described Pakistan as a trusted intermediary that conveyed reassurances to Washington and Tehran at a critical moment. Pakistan’s ties to Trump — warmed since a brief India–Pakistan military escalation last May — and its working relationship with Iran helped make that role possible.
The Pakistani government has invited delegations from the US and Iran to Islamabad for talks aimed at converting the temporary pause into a lasting settlement. South Asia experts expect Islamabad to press hard to lock in a broader agreement before the two-week window expires. ‘‘Even reaching a ceasefire is a notable achievement for Pakistan,’’ said Elizabeth Threlkeld of the Stimson Center, noting Islamabad will likely remain deeply engaged to reduce the risk of spoilers.
But observers warn the path ahead is fraught. Deep mutual distrust between Washington and Tehran, domestic and allied pressures on the US president, and continuing regional operations complicate prospects for durable peace. Political analyst Zahid Hussain pointed out that Tehran mistrusts American intentions, while Israel has only reluctantly accepted the pause and continues operations in Lebanon — actions that could undermine an emerging agreement.
Mr. Trump said Iran had submitted a 10-point proposal that he regarded as a workable negotiating basis and claimed significant overlap on contentious issues, without giving details. The immediate condition for the ceasefire is reopening the Strait of Hormuz, which Tehran closed after strikes on Iranian military targets at the end of February. Iran’s foreign minister said passage would resume under Iranian army supervision; the US offered assistance to restore shipping traffic.
Longer-term sticking points include Iran’s nuclear program and its enriched uranium stockpile, which the US has demanded be dismantled, along with Tehran’s economic vulnerabilities. Security analysts in the Gulf say any durable deal will need to address Iran’s financial concerns and may require waivers, matched by joint security arrangements for the strait.
Pakistan is reportedly also pursuing a separate proposal for an Iran–Gulf states arrangement to discourage future cross-border attacks. Observers are skeptical that Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states would join a direct campaign against Iran if Tehran violates the ceasefire — Riyadh appears wary of the heavy costs of such involvement.
Even if Tehran does not fully honor commitments, Pakistan could still play a role in keeping communication channels open and urging restraint, though its leverage would diminish with repeated violations. For now, Islamabad stands out as one of the few regional actors capable of convening both sides and trying to prevent a wider conflict. Additional reporting from DW’s Islamabad bureau.