Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday morning, April 22, thanked US President Donald Trump for extending the ceasefire between Iran and the US-Israel. Sharif expressed hope that his move will create a place for a peace agreement between to countries.
“On my personal behalf and on behalf of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, I sincerely thank President Trump for graciously accepting our request to extend the ceasefire to allow ongoing diplomatic efforts to take their course,” Shehbaz Sharif said in a post on X.
Sharif ensures that Pakistan will continue to facilitate dialogue between the US and Iran. “With the trust and confidence reposed in, Pakistan shall continue its earnest efforts for the negotiated settlement of the conflict.”
Pakistan's Prime Minister is positive about the next round of dialogue between Iran and the US in Islamabad. “I sincerely hope that both sides will continue to observe the ceasefire and be able to conclude a comprehensive ‘Peace Deal’ during the second round of talks scheduled at Islamabad for a permanent end to the conflict,” he added.
Trump Extends Iran Ceasefire
US President Donald Trump extended the ceasefire with Tehran at the request of Pakistan PM Sharif, before the end of the deadline. Trump said the United States is extending its ceasefire with Iran at Pakistan's request as he waits for a unified proposal from the Islamic Republic.
The president said Tuesday he s making the move at Pakistan's request as he waits for a "unified proposal" from the Islamic Republic, but that the US military will continue its blockade of Iranian ports.
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Trump added that "he's directed our Military to continue the Blockade and, in all other respects, remain ready and able, and will therefore extend the Ceasefire until such time as their proposal is submitted, and discussions are concluded, one way or the other."
The president made the move even as the White House has put on hold Vice President JD Vance's expected trip to Islamabad for a second round of talks, as Tehran, at least for the time being, is baulking at further talks.
Global leaders have cautiously welcomed the extension. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres called it “an important step toward de-escalation,” urging all sides to build on the opportunity for dialogue.
Iran Rejects Trump's Move
Tehran rejected Trump's ceasefire move. Adviser to Iran's parliament speaker, Mahdi Mohammadi dismissed the move. He remarked that "losing side cannot dictate terms", as he added that Trump's extension "means nothing" to Iran.
He also called for Iran to initiate military actions against the US. In a post on X, he said, "Trump's extension of the ceasefire means nothing. The losing side cannot set the terms. Continuing the siege is no different from bombing and must be responded to militarily. Meanwhile, Trump's extension of the ceasefire certainly means buying time for a surprise strike. It is time for Iran to take the initiative."