China’s role in the Iran-US ceasefire reflects its strategic distance

Pakistan played a crucial role in brokering a ceasefire between the US/Israel and Iran after escalating tensions threatened to engulf the region. Prime Minister Sharif expressed pessimism about peace prospects before the agreement. Army Chief Asim Munir leveraged his relationships with both the US and Iran to mediate. The situation was critical for Pakistan due to its economic vulnerabilities, defense pact with Saudi Arabia, and internal security concerns. While the US claimed Iran initiated the ceasefire request, Pakistani officials suggest both sides desired an end to the conflict. Pakistan viewed the successful mediation as a significant diplomatic achievement, averting a potentially disastrous regional war.

A ceasefire agreement between the US and Iran, mediated by Pakistan and reportedly influenced by China, has been reached after a five-week conflict that began on February 28th. The agreement, lasting two weeks, will see Iranian and American delegations meet in Islamabad to discuss Iran's 10-point peace proposal. This proposal, which was passed to the White House via Pakistan, includes conditions such as the lifting of US sanctions, US military withdrawal from the Middle East, and the release of frozen Iranian assets. Iran's Supreme National Security Council has characterized the ceasefire as a victory, while analysts suggest the US has limited gains despite its military superiority. The agreement ensures conditional passage through the Strait of Hormuz.

Pakistan played a key role in securing a fragile ceasefire between the US and Iran. Tensions had escalated, prompting Pakistan's Field Marshall Munir to criticize Iran's actions, signaling support for Saudi Arabia, with whom Pakistan has a defense pact. Pakistan's Prime Minister then engaged in diplomatic efforts, requesting President Trump to extend a deadline and urging Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz. These efforts led to a ceasefire agreement, announced by the Prime Minister, who invited both sides to Islamabad on April 10th for further negotiations. Despite the agreement, sources indicate the situation remains fragile due to a lack of trust between the US and Iran.

In April 2026, Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif proposed a pause in the anticipated US-Israeli war on Iran. Sharif stated that diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict were making progress. He urged then-US President Donald Trump to postpone his stated deadline for military action by two weeks. The proposal represents a last-ditch diplomatic effort by Islamabad to avert the war. Al Jazeera's Osama Bin Javaid reported on Pakistan's initiative and its potential impact on de-escalating tensions. The reasons behind the conflict and the specific demands of each party were not detailed in the article.

Iran and the United States have agreed to a two-week ceasefire, with negotiations set to begin in Islamabad, Pakistan, on Friday. The talks are based on Iran's 10-point proposal, which includes control over the Strait of Hormuz and the lifting of all sanctions. This agreement follows a partial blockade of the Strait of Hormuz by Iran, which disrupted global trade after attacks by the US and Israel. The US President stated that the truce is contingent on Iran reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for global oil supply. The US believes Iran's proposal is a workable basis for negotiation and that a final agreement can be reached within the two-week period.

President Trump has recently used increasingly aggressive and apocalyptic language regarding Iran, threatening severe consequences if they do not agree to a deal, including reopening the Strait of Hormuz. His threats included warnings of Iran being "blasted into oblivion" and "back to the Stone Ages," with potential targeting of civilian infrastructure. These statements, made in recent days, have drawn widespread condemnation from Democrats, former supporters, and religious figures. Some Republicans have suggested that Trump's rhetoric is a negotiation tactic. The heightened tensions come amidst ongoing conflict and attempts at mediation between the US and Iran.

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has appealed to both the United States and Iran to de-escalate tensions amidst the ongoing US-Israel war on Iran. Just hours before President Trump's deadline for Iran, Sharif requested a two-week extension from Trump to allow diplomatic efforts to progress towards a peaceful resolution. He also urged Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz as a gesture of goodwill during this period. Sharif further called for a two-week ceasefire from all involved parties to facilitate conclusive peace negotiations. The White House acknowledged awareness of Pakistan's proposal, and Iran is reportedly reviewing the request positively.

Amid ongoing conflict, the US and Iran remain far from a peace deal due to a lack of trust and a reliable guarantor. President Trump issued another ultimatum to Iran, threatening severe consequences if a deal isn't reached by Tuesday. Pakistan is attempting to mediate a truce between the two nations, with discussions reaching a critical stage. While the US, Iran, and Pakistan have each proposed solutions to end the conflict, analysts warn that the absence of a strong guarantor could render any agreement ineffective. The article highlights the challenges in achieving a lasting peace between the US and Iran.

Following President Trump's escalating threats against Iran, including explicit language and warnings of potential war crimes, Democrats are calling for his removal from office. Over 20 Democratic members of Congress have urged the cabinet to invoke the 25th Amendment, deeming Trump unfit for office due to concerns about his mental stability and erratic behavior. These concerns were amplified by Trump's social media posts and speeches regarding Iran. Former Republican representative Marjorie Taylor Greene also joined the call for the 25th Amendment. While Democrats are vocalizing their alarm, Republicans have remained largely silent on the matter. The calls for Trump's removal highlight deep divisions and concerns regarding his leadership and handling of international relations.

Amidst escalating US and Israeli attacks on Tehran and a looming deadline set by President Trump to open the Strait of Hormuz, Iran has proposed a 10-point peace plan to end the war. The plan, conveyed through Pakistan, calls for a permanent end to hostilities, safe passage through the Strait, lifting of sanctions, and reconstruction. While details of the 10 clauses remain unpublished, the conflict has spread to the Gulf region and Lebanon. Trump acknowledged the proposal as a "significant step" but deemed it "not good enough." The US president had threatened to target Iranian infrastructure until Tehran agreed to end the war and open the Strait, a crucial passage for global oil and gas supplies.