How Pakistan secured ‘biggest diplomatic win in years’ with Iran ceasefire

Tensions are escalating between the US and Iran after President Trump threatened to destroy Iranian infrastructure if Iran doesn't comply with his demands regarding the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has responded by threatening to target energy facilities in Saudi Arabia and the UAE if its own infrastructure is attacked. Strikes have intensified within Iran, hitting bridges, an airport, and a petrochemical plant, while US forces have attacked targets on Kharg Island. Gulf states are on alert due to intermittent Iranian attacks on US bases and infrastructure in the region since the war began last month.

In the hours before President Trump's deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, Iran's UN ambassador, Amir-Saeid Iravani, criticized Trump's Truth Social post as "deeply irresponsible" and "profoundly alarming." Trump's post threatened strikes against Iranian power plants and bridges if the Strait of Hormuz was not reopened by 8 p.m. ET. Iravani stated at the UN headquarters that Trump was threatening to destroy civilian infrastructure and commit crimes against humanity. The White House responded by citing Iran's human rights abuses and regional actions, reiterating that Iran must not obtain nuclear weapons. The Strait of Hormuz is a key waterway for global energy supply.

The United States and Iran are nearing a potential escalation as a deadline set by President Trump for Iran to accept a peace agreement approaches. Trump threatened severe consequences, including the destruction of Iranian civilization, if Tehran does not comply by 8 PM EST. The US has reportedly continued operations targeting Iranian military sites, including Kharg Island, a major oil hub. Vice-President Vance indicated that the US possesses unused options and expects further negotiation. Pakistan has renewed mediation efforts amidst heightened tensions.

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.

In April 2026, the US and Iran agreed to a two-week ceasefire after nearly six weeks of conflict, narrowly averting a threatened US attack. Pakistan, led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir, played a crucial role in mediating the agreement through backchannel talks. Both US President Donald Trump and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi acknowledged Pakistan's central role in bringing the two nations to the negotiating table. While the ceasefire provided immediate relief, key details regarding its scope and specific terms, such as transit through the Strait of Hormuz and uranium enrichment, remained unclear. The agreement followed a September 2025 visit by Pakistani leaders to the White House.

Following a US announcement of a two-week suspension of bombing campaigns against Iran to allow for ceasefire talks, Iran stated it hopes China and other nations can guarantee regional security and prevent the US from resuming hostilities. Iranian ambassador Abdolreza Rahmani Fazli, speaking in Beijing, expressed Iran's desire for the UN Security Council, China, Russia, Pakistan, and Turkey to collectively ensure peace. Fazli also warned of a strong Iranian response if the US violates the ceasefire. President Trump suggested China played a significant role in bringing Iran to the negotiating table. Fazli confirmed Iran's close dialogue and cooperation with friendly countries, particularly China.

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.

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.

In a press conference on April 7, 2026, regarding the US involvement in the Iran war, President Donald Trump and Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth invoked religious themes. Trump stated his belief that God supports the United States' actions in the conflict. Hegseth drew a parallel between the rescue of a downed US airman and the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The press conference focused on the US's role in the Iran war and included religious justifications for their involvement. The comments were made during a news conference.

According to policy expert Hooshang Amirahmadi, Iranian officials advocating for negotiations with the U.S. face increasing danger as internal divisions within Iran deepen. These moderates risk being branded as traitors and potentially eliminated by the emerging hardline regime. Amirahmadi's warning coincides with claims from the Trump administration that it is engaged in talks with a "new" and "more reasonable" leadership in Iran, while Secretary of State Rubio acknowledged internal "fractures" within the Iranian government. Amirahmadi confirmed the existence of an internal power struggle between remnants of the old regime, who may support negotiation, and the new hardline elements who view them as traitors. He emphasized that advocating for negotiation is perceived as paving the way for further conflict and destruction.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated Iran has the "will" to end the ongoing war with the US and Israel, seeking guarantees against future conflict. This statement followed recent strikes on Iran and threats from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to retaliate against US tech companies, including Google, Meta, and Apple, for alleged complicity in the assassinations of Iranian leaders. The Guards threatened to target these companies' units if further assassinations occur. The war, initiated on February 28 by US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu with the killing of Iran's supreme leader, has triggered regional retaliation. Trump's stance on further escalation, including potential ground troop deployment, versus negotiation remains unclear.