Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan has formally proposed a two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran, urging both nations to pause hostilities to allow diplomatic efforts to proceed. The request comes just hours before the Trump administration’s deadline to either reach a deal or escalate military action against Iranian infrastructure.
In a statement on X, Sharif emphasized the progress of ongoing negotiations, stating,
'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.'He urged President Trump to extend the deadline and called on Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz as a gesture of goodwill.
Mediation Efforts
Pakistan has positioned itself as a key mediator in the U.S.-Iran conflict in recent weeks. The proposal aims to provide both sides with a temporary off-ramp to prevent further escalation. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavit confirmed that President Trump is aware of the proposal, and a response is forthcoming.
The region’s stability remains a primary concern, with Sharif adding,
'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.'