Iran’s Foreign Minister, Seyed Abbas Araghchi, opened a social media post announcing the two-week Middle East ceasefire by expressing “gratitude and appreciation” to “my dear brothers,” Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir, “for their tireless efforts to end the war in the region.” The note was shared by US President Donald Trump on Truth Social, signaling Washington’s recognition of Islamabad’s pivotal role in the negotiations.
Shortly thereafter, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif posted on X, “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 further added, “I warmly welcome this sagacious gesture and extend deepest gratitude to the leadership of both countries, inviting their delegations to Islamabad on Friday, 10th April 2026, to negotiate a conclusive agreement to settle all disputes. We earnestly hope that the ‘Islamabad Talks’ succeed in achieving sustainable peace and look forward to sharing more good news in the coming days.”
CBS News reported that President Trump consulted with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Pakistan’s Field Marshal Munir before finalizing the two-week ceasefire. Field Marshal Munir reportedly remained in continuous contact “all night long” with US Vice President JD Vance, special envoy Steve Witkoff, and Iran’s Foreign Minister Araghchi, underscoring Pakistan’s central role in the diplomatic efforts.
Pakistan’s Diplomatic Push
The ceasefire comes after weeks of proactive diplomacy by Islamabad. In late March, Pakistan hosted foreign ministers from Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt to explore pathways out of the escalating Middle East conflict. As the war intensified, Pakistan emerged as a trusted mediator, relaying the US’s 15-point proposal to Iran and subsequently transmitting Iran’s responses back to Washington.
Why Both the US and Iran Trust Islamabad
For a country to successfully mediate in an international conflict, it must enjoy credibility with all sides. Iran’s mistrust of its Arab neighbors, due to their close ties with Washington, positioned Pakistan as a reliable intermediary. Pakistan shares a border with Iran and maintains long-standing diplomatic relations, evidenced by Araghchi referring to Sharif and Munir as “dear brothers.” Furthermore, Pakistan’s lack of diplomatic ties with Israel strengthened Tehran’s confidence in Islamabad.
For the US, relations with Pakistan have improved in the past year. Islamabad joined Trump’s “Board of Peace” initiative to secure stability in Gaza. Reports suggest that Trump views Field Marshal Munir as his “favourite Field Marshal,” while Munir’s extensive contacts within the US and Iranian defense establishments further empowered Pakistan to negotiate effectively. Additionally, Pakistan’s positive relations with Gulf nations allowed it to coordinate a broader diplomatic strategy.
Strategic and Domestic Imperatives
Pakistan’s push for a ceasefire is driven by both geopolitical ambitions and pragmatic considerations. The country relies heavily on Middle Eastern oil, and millions of Pakistanis work in the region, sending remittances home. Rising fuel prices due to the conflict, coupled with Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, placed enormous economic pressure on Islamabad. These challenges were compounded by Pakistan’s financial strains and ongoing regional security concerns, particularly with Afghanistan and India.
Domestic stability was also at risk. The US-Israel offensive that killed Ayatollah Ali Khamenei triggered mass protests in Pakistan, resulting in multiple deaths. Pakistan’s vested interest in achieving a ceasefire, combined with China’s backing, bolstered its credibility as a neutral mediator.
The Fragile Nature of the Ceasefire
Despite Islamabad’s diplomatic success, the ceasefire remains fragile. Its longevity will depend on the willingness of Washington and Tehran to engage constructively in the coming days. While Pakistan may earn international recognition for its mediation, any collapse of the truce could severely damage its credibility.
Moreover, Pakistan lacks the military or geopolitical leverage to enforce the agreement. Should hostilities resume, Islamabad would face a precarious situation: siding with the US risks domestic instability, while backing Iran could alienate Washington and Gulf partners.
In essence, while the ceasefire marks a significant diplomatic achievement for Pakistan, sustaining it will require careful navigation of both regional and domestic pressures. The coming days will test Islamabad’s diplomatic acumen as much as its international credibility.