How Pakistan helped secure a fragile ceasefire between the US and Iran
How Pakistan helped secure a fragile ceasefire between the US and Iran
Just before the announcement of a two-week ceasefire between Iran and the United States, Pakistan emerged as a key player in easing tensions. A confidential source shared with the BBC that the talks were progressing swiftly, with Pakistan serving as a bridge between the two nations. The negotiations involved a limited group of individuals, and the atmosphere was described as “dark and focused, yet carrying a faint glimmer of success.” The source noted that the agreement was “within reach” but emphasized that time was running out.
Pakistan’s historical ties with Iran, including a shared border and longstanding diplomatic connections, have positioned it as a natural mediator. Meanwhile, its relationship with the US has been bolstered by President Trump’s public admiration for Field Marshall Asim Munir, the head of Pakistan’s military. Trump claimed to know Iran “better than most” and referred to Munir as his “favorite” general, underscoring a unique rapport. Despite these links, the path to peace remained uncertain.
Speaking in parliament on Tuesday, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar acknowledged the optimism but highlighted the challenges. “Until yesterday, we believed progress was on track,” he said, just hours before Israel’s strike on Iran and Iran’s retaliation against Saudi Arabia. Dar described Pakistan’s efforts as “ongoing” but stressed that the situation remained precarious. Field Marshall Munir, however, was more direct. In a conversation with military officials, he called the Saudi attack “a setback for peaceful diplomacy,” marking the strongest critique of Iran from Pakistan since the conflict escalated.
As the clock ticked toward midnight in Pakistan, the Prime Minister tweeted on X, expressing confidence in “diplomatic efforts advancing with momentum and promise.” He urged Trump to prolong the ceasefire by two weeks and requested Iran’s cooperation in opening the Strait of Hormuz for the same duration. Hours later, Iran’s ambassador to Pakistan, Reza Amiri Moghadam, shared a similar sentiment, stating there had been “a forward step from a tense phase.” By early Tuesday, the Prime Minister confirmed the ceasefire was finalized, inviting both parties to meet in Islamabad on April 10 to “pursue a final accord.”
Despite the agreement, the Pakistan source cautioned that “caution persists,” noting the fragile state of the deal. Trust between the US and Iran remains low, with entrenched stances on both sides. While Pakistan aims to facilitate dialogue, the question lingers: what common ground can be found to solidify the truce?
